Pyloric stenosis in infants can be caused by which medication?

Pyloric stenosis is a condition that occurs in infants where the pylorus (the lower part of the stomach) becomes narrowed, leading to projectile vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. It is particularly seen in infants aged 3 to 12 weeks.

Erythromycin, an antibiotic, has been implicated in causing pyloric stenosis when administered to infants, especially in the neonatal period. Research suggests that erythromycin can mimic the effects of motilin, a hormone that stimulates gut motility, potentially leading to hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle and subsequent stenosis. This association has prompted caution regarding the use of erythromycin in young infants and particularly supports the need for careful medical history taking regarding any antibiotic use in the neonatal period.

In contrast, the other medications listed, such as levodopa, amoxicillin, and metronidazole, have not been directly associated with the development of pyloric stenosis in infants in any significant way as observed in clinical studies. Therefore, erythromycin stands out as the medication linked to this serious condition, underlining the importance of understanding the side effects of medications used in pediatric populations.