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An Uncommon Side Effect of a Commonly Used Antibiotic: Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid Induced Hepatitis

Vinay Mathew Thomas1, Neena Thomas-Eapen2

  • 1Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Korean Journal of Family Medicine
|October 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, a common antibiotic, can rarely cause drug-induced liver injury. This case highlights the importance of considering this rare side effect, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-induced hepatitis, in patients presenting with jaundice.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is a widely prescribed antibiotic combination.
  • Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) from this antibiotic is uncommon.
  • Early recognition of DILI is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-induced hepatitis.
  • To emphasize the clinical presentation of painless jaundice as a potential indicator.
  • To advocate for cost-conscious diagnosis by considering rare antibiotic side effects.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 62-year-old female presenting with acute jaundice.
  • Detailed patient history including recent antibiotic use.
  • Clinical and laboratory evaluation for hepatic injury.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed severe painless jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and pruritus.
  • Symptoms began less than one week after completing a course of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
  • A thorough medical history identified the antibiotic as the likely cause.

Conclusions:

  • Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid can induce hepatitis, a rare but significant side effect.
  • Painless jaundice following antibiotic use warrants consideration of drug-induced liver injury.
  • In-depth patient history is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary investigations.
Keywords:
Amoxicillin-Clavulanic AcidDrug ReactionsHepatitisHepatologyJaundicePruritus

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