Drug-induced hepatotoxicity
Article Abstract:
Various drugs can have toxic effects on the liver often because of disorders in the enzymes of the liver that process foreign substances. The primary enzyme reactions involved in rendering drugs nontoxic are glutathione metabolism, and phase 1 and phase 2 reactions. Some liver complications are caused when drugs or their products react with proteins or DNA in liver cells and cause their death. Other adverse reactions to drugs are due to a genetic lack of an enzyme needed to process the drug. Different drugs cause liver damage through direct toxic reactions, idiosyncratic reactions, allergic reactions, and reactions that cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or blockage of bile flow. Examples of potentially toxic drugs include acetaminophen, isoniazid, halothane, methotrexate, and estradiol. The most effective way to diagnose liver injury from drugs is take a careful history of the time at which medications were started and the time at which illness began. Treatment usually involves withdrawing the drug, though may also include corticosteroid therapy.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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Drug-related hepatotoxicity
Article Abstract:
Hepatotoxicity is defined as injury to the liver that is associated with impaired liver functions caused by exposure to a drug or another noninfectious agent. Information on the detection, evaluation, possible prevention and management of drug-related hepatotoxicity is provided, highlighting hepatotoxicity associated with prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2006
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Pharmacogenomic biomarkers for prediction of severe adverse drug reactions
Article Abstract:
The stress being laid on pharmacogenomic research to establish the molecular phenomenon behind adverse drug reactions to help increase efficacy of treatment is discussed.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2008
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