Drug-induced hepatitis Health Article

Definition

Drug-induced hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that may occur when you take certain medications.

See also:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D

Alternative Names

Toxic hepatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The liver helps the body break down certain drugs. However, the process is slower in some people, which can make them more likely to get liver damage. Even small doses of certain drugs can cause hepatitis, even if the liver breakdown system is normal. Large doses can overwhelm a normal liver.

Many different drugs can cause drug-induced hepatitis.

Painkillers and fever reducers that contain acetaminophen are a common cause of liver inflammation. These medications can damage the liver when taken in doses that are not much greater than the recommended dose.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may also cause drug-induced hepatitis.

Other drugs that can lead to liver inflammation include:

• Amiodarone
• Anabolic steroids
• Birth control pills
• Chlorpromazine
• Erythromycin
• Halothane
• Methyldopa
• Isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis)
• Methotrexate
• Statins

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Jaundice
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• White or clay-colored stools

Signs and tests

Blood tests will be done to check liver function. Liver enzymes may be increased.

A physical exam may reveal an enlarged liver and abdominal tenderness in the right upper part of the belly area.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for most cases of drug-induced hepatitis other than stopping the drug that is causing the problem. The exception is acetaminophen. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after you take excessive doses of acetaminophen and have developed hepatitis. See: Acetaminophen overdose

You should rest during the acute phase of the disease, when the symptoms are most severe. If you have significant nausea and vomiting, you may need to receive fluids through a vein.

Those with acute hepatitis should avoid physical exertion, alcohol, acetaminophen, and any other substances that are harmful to the liver.

Expectations (prognosis)

Usually, drug-related hepatitis goes away within days or weeks after you stop taking the drug that caused it.