Introduction: The role of the clinical pharmacist in the management of acute pancreatitis has not been researched extensively, and only a few published studies on the topic can be found. This clinical review presents all pertinent published data and serves as a guide for clinical pharmacists who participate in the management of patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed from 1990 to 2021 to retrieve relevant studies focusing on the role of the clinical pharmacist in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Results: An analysis of the medications that are associated with acute pancreatitis is presented, highlighting the responsibility of the pharmacist to conduct a thorough medication investigation in order to identify a possible drug-induced acute pancreatitis. Medical management of acute pancreatitis, mainly fluid therapy, is an area where a clinical pharmacist can appropriately intervene. Proper choice of fluid therapy and its rate, nutritional considerations, pain management and antibiotic use, are all important to consider for a successful treatment with minimal adverse effects. It is well documented in the literature that clinical pharmacists can decrease hospital costs. Discharge counseling performed by a clinical pharmacist has been shown to increase patient compliance and decrease both readmission rates and follow-up physician visits. Conclusion: The clinical pharmacist, as the primary drug expert, can identify medication-induced pancreatitis, diminish the use of unnecessary antibiotics, improve patient care and decrease the overall costs.
Summary of the Clinical Pharmacist’s Role in the Management of Acute Pancreatitis: A Clinical Review