Loperamide induced acute pancreatitis in pediatrics.

PRESENTATION

A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital following an accidental ingestion of 12 mg of loperamide hydrochloride. His main complaint was abdominal pain, especially in his right hypochondrium and epigastrium.

DIAGNOSIS

He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis secondary to the use of loperamide. His lipase and amylase were indeed raised showing an acute and reversible trend. Infections and cholelithiasis were ruled out by blood tests and US abdomen.

TREATMENT

The patient was treated with a single dose of activated charcoal and improved with no further treatment.

DISCUSSION

Loperamide is an opioid-receptor agonist and acts on the μ-opioid receptor. This causes spasms and dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi resulting in obstruction of the pancreatic drainage and leading to acute pancreatitis. This case report shows the first case of loperamide induced acute pancreatitis in pediatrics.