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Liver Disorders

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Drug-induced Liver Failure

Liver failure can result from a severe hepatotoxic reaction to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Hepatotoxicity is linked to liver-drug processing abnormalities, leading to conditions that include but aren't limited to acute hepatitis, cholestasis, hepatic venous occlusion, zonal liver necrosis, and porphyria. While varied from patient to patient, the pattern of liver injury and clinical presentations can be used to target the toxic metabolite.

Drug-induced liver inflammation [leading to liver failure] isn't common in children. That said, hepatotoxins include: acetaminophen, aspirin, methotrexate, anti-neoplastic agents, anti-epileptics, antibiotics (sulfonamides, erthromycin, ketoconazole, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin) anesthetics, and medications treating thyroid conditions and attention-deficit disorder. Cocaine and some herbal supplements are also sources of hepatotoxicity.

Treatment includes diagnosis, and stopping medication use. Patients with liver disease or acute failure should see a specialist.