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Drug-induced hepatitis Causes and Risks:
Many different medications can produce an adverse liver reaction in certain people. The symptoms are similar to those causing viral hepatitis . Some of the frequently used medications causing reactions are analgesics and antipyretics that contain acetaminophen - oral, the general anesthetic halothane,
methyldopa, and isoniazid (used for the treatment of tuberculosis ). Other medications interfere with the flow of bile such as erythromycin, oral contraceptives, chlorpromazine, and anabolic steroids. Usually liver inflammation subsides within days or weeks, or after the drug is stopped. The incidence is 8 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention:
Certain medications should not be taken if there is a history or evidence of liver disease , such as: - isoniazid
- oral contraceptives
- androgens
- chlorpromazine - oral
- chlorpromazine - injectable
- allopurinol - oral
- acetaminophen
- hydralazine - oral
- halothane
- alcohol
- valproic acid
- phenytoin
- carbamazepine - oral
- methotrexate
- 6 - mercaptopurine
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for drug-induced hepatitis other than discontinuing the causative medication. Rest during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe. If nausea and vomiting are significant, intravenous fluid may be advised. People with acute hepatitis should avoid physical exertion, alcohol, and any hepatotoxic substances.
Prognosis:
Usually symptoms subside when the causative drug has been discontinued.
Complications:
- liver failure can occur (rare)
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop after starting a new medication, symptoms do not improve when the causative medication is discontinued, or new symptoms develop.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
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