Title:Drug-induced Cholelithiasis
Volume: 16
Issue: 4
Author(s): Štefan Alušík and Zoltán Paluch*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague,Czech Republic
Keywords:
Cholelithiasis, drugs, ceftriaxone, atazanavir, somatostatin analogues, lithiasis.
Abstract:
Background: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in developed countries is high and its
cause is multifactorial, with a negligible proportion of drug-induced cholelithiasis.
Methods: Relevant studies were identified by PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Reference
lists of retrieved articles were also reviewed. The most relevant and up-to-date information
was incorporated.
Results: There is a wide range of drugs that can induce lithiasis. While the risk of developing lithiasis
is high with some drugs (ceftriaxone, atazanavir, somatostatin analogues), it is lower or even
questionable with others. Some drugs precipitate in the bile and may account for up to 100% of the
weight of the stone.
Conclusion: Cholelithiasis can be induced by a wide range of drugs with different mechanisms of
action. The aim of the article is to draw attention to this lesser known fact and the need to take into
account the risk of developing lithiasis prior to therapy initiation.
