Drug-induced hepatitis

Alternative names:

toxic hepatitis

Definition:

An inflammation of the liver caused by a drug.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.