Flucloxacillin-induced liver injury in elderly patient

Flucloxacillin is a penicillin antibiotic used as first-line treatment for soft tissue infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus It is used frequently in the elderly and is an established cause of cholestatic liver injury. Risk factors for cholestasis include prolonged duration of treatment, female sex and older age. Elderly patients are also more likely to suffer from comorbidities and polypharmacy, which increases the incidence of drug-induced liver injury and hospitalisation, which in turn can lead to irreversible deterioration in functional baseline. Our case report aims to raise awareness of flucloxacillin-induced liver injury in elderly patients and to encourage the use of alternative treatments and/or limited duration. We advocate for further research into individualised treatments and new diagnostic techniques in patients with painless jaundice based on their genotype.