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Azithromycin induced hepatocellular toxicity and hepatic encephalopathy in asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy

Bidyut Kumar Das1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital, Kolkata-20, West Bengal, India.

Indian Journal of Pharmacology
|December 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Azithromycin, a common macrolide antibiotic, can cause severe liver damage and hepatic encephalopathy, even in asymptomatic patients. This case highlights a rare but serious adverse effect of this widely used medication.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Hepatology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Azithromycin is a widely prescribed macrolide antibiotic.
  • It is generally considered safe, with common side effects including gastrointestinal issues and hearing loss.
  • Serious adverse events like angioedema and cholestatic jaundice are rare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of Azithromycin-induced severe hepatocellular toxicity and hepatic encephalopathy.
  • To highlight the potential for serious liver injury from Azithromycin, even in asymptomatic individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing a patient's presentation and clinical course.
  • Review of relevant medical literature on Azithromycin adverse effects.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Severe hepatocellular toxicity and hepatic encephalopathy were confirmed as Azithromycin-induced.
  • This occurred despite the absence of typical warning signs.

Conclusions:

  • Azithromycin can lead to severe liver injury and hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Clinicians should be vigilant for potential hepatotoxicity, even with asymptomatic presentations.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering drug-induced liver injury in differential diagnosis.
Keywords:
Azithromycindilated cardiomyopathyhepatocellular toxicity

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