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Acute hepatitis associated with alosetron (Lotronex)
D Kim Turgeon1, Nadia Tayeh, Robert J Fontana
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|July 8, 2005
Summary
Alosetron is generally safe for severe irritable bowel syndrome. However, this case report details a patient who developed acute liver injury after taking alosetron, highlighting a potential rare side effect.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Alosetron hydrochloride is a medication used for severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- While generally considered safe and effective when used as prescribed, rare adverse events are possible.
- Understanding potential drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of acute liver injury associated with alosetron hydrochloride.
- To raise awareness among clinicians about this potential adverse effect.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 39-year-old woman experiencing symptomatic hepatitis.
- Exclusion of other causes of hepatitis through comprehensive radiologic and laboratory evaluations.
- Observation of liver injury resolution following alosetron discontinuation.
Main Results:
- The patient developed hepatitis 28 days after initiating alosetron.
- All other potential causes of acute hepatitis were ruled out.
- Liver function normalized after the patient stopped taking alosetron.
Conclusions:
- Alosetron hydrochloride may be associated with acute liver injury in susceptible individuals.
- Metabolic idiosyncrasy is a suspected mechanism for alosetron-induced hepatotoxicity.
- Clinicians should monitor for signs of liver dysfunction in patients treated with alosetron.
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