Olmesartan-induced Enteropathy: A Rare Side Effect of a Common Medication

Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of mortality worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Hypertension is a major factor in the development of these diseases. Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated in the treatment of hypertension. There are several case reports describing sprue-like enteropathy caused by olmesartan. We report on a 72-year-old patient referred to our hospital for work-up of chronic diarrhoea, vomiting and weight-loss, and villous atrophy on intestinal biopsy. The patient's symptoms abated upon cessation of olmesartan. This case illustrates the need for a thorough medication history and regular review during work-up. We hope it will add to the current understanding of this rare phenomenon.