Hepatotoxicity of antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic agents

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 1995 Dec;24(4):923-36.

Abstract

Several antibiotics are known to be hepatotoxic. Apart from subtle, reversible, and often inconsequential abnormalities, cholestasis is the predominant presentation that has a protracted and disabling course. Hepatitis, like illness, is characteristic of some drugs, and chronic liver disease may evolve. It is important to recognize if a patient has an adverse reaction to a drug because continuing use of the drug in the face of hepatitis can have disastrous consequences. Chronic liver disease may ensue and progress onto cirrhosis; this has typically been seen following use of isoniazid and nitrofurantoin. Cholestatic liver disease can progress into a chronic form of a ductopenic state; this is particularly seen after antibiotic-related cholestasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiparasitic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antiparasitic Agents