Medicines That Can Cause Pancreatitis

Topic Overview

In rare cases, medicines may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). These include:

  • Some antibiotics (such as metronidazole, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and nitrofurantoin).
  • Some medicines that suppress the immune system (such as 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine).
  • Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure (such as ACE inhibitors).
  • 5-aminosalicylic acid (used to treat inflammatory bowel disease).
  • Some diuretics.
  • Corticosteroids.
  • Estrogen.
  • Some medicines used to treat diabetes (such as exenatide and sitagliptan).
  • Valproate (used to treat seizure disorders).
  • Certain general anesthetics.
  • Antidepressants, such as venlafaxine (Effexor).

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerPeter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last RevisedMay 25, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: May 25, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology

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