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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Hepatotoxicity of antibacterials: Pathomechanisms and clinical
J M Leitner1, W Graninger, F Thalhammer
1Dept. of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Austria. judith.leitner@meduniwien.ac.at
Abstract:
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a frequent cause of liver disease and acute liver failure, particularly in patients treated with multiple drugs. Several antibacterial drugs have the potential to cause severe liver injury and failure. This article aims to increase the awareness and understanding of drug induced liver injury (DILI) due to antibacterial drugs. It reviews the pattern of antibacterial DILI and provides details on molecular mechanisms and toxicogenomics, as well as clinical data based on epidemiology studies. Certain antibacterial drugs are more frequently linked to hepatotoxicity than others. Therefore, the hepatotoxic potential of tetracyclines,sulfonamides, tuberculostatic agents, macrolides, quinolones,and beta-lactams are discussed in more detail. Efforts to improve the early detection of DILI and the acquisition of high-quality epidemiological data are pivotal for increased patient safety.
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