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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
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Idiosyncratic Liver Injury Due to Levocetirizine
Giuseppe Annunziata1, Imai Mayuko2, Mary Barbara1
1Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
ACG Case Reports Journal
|November 19, 2019
Summary
Levocetirizine, a common allergy medication, can rarely cause significant acute liver injury. This case report details a 67-year-old man experiencing liver damage after taking the drug.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Levocetirizine is a widely used, non-sedating antihistamine for allergic conditions.
- Acute liver injury is a rare but serious potential adverse effect.
- Previous literature documents only two cases of levocetirizine-associated liver injury.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male patient developed acute hepatic injury.
- The patient had been using levocetirizine for an unspecified duration.
- Liver biopsy revealed periportal inflammation and significant cholestatic injury.
Findings:
- The observed histological findings on liver biopsy are consistent with drug-induced liver injury.
- The pattern of injury suggests a cholestatic mechanism.
- This case adds to the limited but significant reports of levocetirizine hepatotoxicity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for levocetirizine to cause acute liver injury.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of levocetirizine-induced hepatotoxicity may be warranted.
- Monitoring liver function in patients using levocetirizine, especially those with risk factors, could be considered.
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