[Biotransformation in patients following Depressan-induced hepatitis]

In 17 patients who more than 1 year ago had suffered from a dihydralazine induced hepatitis the biotransformation velocity was investigated and compared with a healthy control group. 15 out of the 17 patients and 5 out of the 10 volunteers are slow acetylators. All slow acetylators eliminate sulfamethazine more slowly than rapid acetylators.--The elimination of caffeine and metamizol--test substances for oxidative biotransformation reactions--was retarded in patients after dihydralazine induced hepatitis in comparison to control persons. Slow acetylators have to be controlled carefully because of their higher risk of dihydralazine induced drug hepatitis.