Liver toxicity. Could this be a drug reaction?
BACKGROUND
Adverse reaction to prescription medications, over the counter medications and complementary medicines, are an important cause of liver toxicity.


OBJECTIVE
To highlight the importance of drug induced liver toxicity in patients presenting with abnormal liver function tests.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients who present with symptoms of liver dysfunction such as anorexia, itch or Jaundice and in whom liver function tests are abnormal, the possibility of an adverse reaction to medications should be considered. A detailed history of all medications taken in the past few months, including complementary medicines, should be obtained. After exclusion of other causes of liver disease such a viral hepatitis or gallstones, the cessation of the offending medication and the normalisation of liver tests is usually sufficient to establish a diagnosis. Occasionally, referral to a specialist and liver biopsy may be required.
Ryan
M
M
St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
Desmond
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment