Cyproheptadine-Induced Acute Liver Failure.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with appetite-stimulating properties.
• Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical concern.
• Acute liver failure (ALF) necessitates prompt identification of causative agents.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old female with no prior liver disease developed ALF.
• The patient had recently initiated cyproheptadine for appetite stimulation.
• Symptoms of liver dysfunction emerged during cyproheptadine therapy.

Findings:

• The case suggests a potential link between cyproheptadine use and acute liver failure.
• Discontinuation of cyproheptadine and supportive management led to patient recovery.
• This represents the first reported instance of cyproheptadine-induced ALF in over two decades.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider cyproheptadine as a potential cause of DILI, particularly ALF.
• Further investigation into the hepatotoxicity of cyproheptadine may be warranted.
• This case highlights the importance of thorough medication review in patients presenting with unexplained liver injury.