[Drug-induced jaundice]

The preconditions and causes of a drug-induced liver damage are discussed. The drug-induced cholestasis is a relatively seldom, benign liver disease. It may be triggered by more than hundred basic pharmacological substances. According to histology one distinguishes between pure cholestases and cholestases with inflammatory reaction. These cholestases generally are caused by covalent binding of toxic metabolites to structures of the liver cells which are essential for bile secretion. Some of these metabolite-protein-complexes act as antigens. A prophylaxis of drug-induced cholestases is only efficient in a small group of genetically determined persons. In most of the cases therapy besides of the elimination of the causing drug is not necessary.