Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Drug-induced hepatic injury accounts for more than 50 percent of cases of acute liver failure in the United States. More than 75 percent of idiosyncratic drug reactions result in liver transplantation or death. This review discusses the pathogenesis of drug-induced liver injury, common adverse drug reactions involving the liver, and the drug-approval process. Monitoring for and recognition of drug-induced hepatotoxicity may prevent some cases of acute hepatic failure.