October 13, 2005
Celiac, Other Medications
Question from Hastings, Minnesota, USA:
My 16 year old son has type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. He has been diagnosed with proteinuria and put on enalapril, 5mg. I cannot find out if this drug is gluten free. He took the drug for two days and complained of a mild stomach ache. We are not sure if this is from the drug or if the drug has gluten in it. I have not had very good help from our health care provider as far as the celiac disease, which is why I am asking for additional information.
Answer:
Enalapril is gluten free. Use of enalapril has been associated (rarely) with eosinophilic gastroenteritis which can cause diarrhea and high levels of eosinophils, a particular form of white blood cells associated with allergic reactions. I would have him retry the enalapril and, if his symptoms recur or worsen, bring up the possibility of eosinophilic gastroenteritis with the gastroenterologist who follows his celiac disease.
LAD
