[Severe hepatitis attributed to paroxetine (Seroxat)].
A 52-year-old man suffering from chronic hepatitis B related liver cirrhosis was treated for depression with paroxetine (Serotax) 5 mg and subsequently 15 mg once daily. A severe hepatitis with liver failure (jaundice, hypoalbuminaemia, edemas, and ascites) developed. After the drug was withdrawn the patient recovered completely. The adverse reaction may be explained by a change in the pharmacokinetics of the drug caused by the liver cirrhosis. Caution is required in prescribing long-term paroxetine therapy for patients with documented liver cirrhosis. The liver function should be monitored and administration of the drug should be discontinued when functional disturbances are noticed.
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Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, afd. Maag-, Darm- en Leverzieklen.
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017374:Paroxetine