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Iproclozide fulminant hepatitis. Possible role of enzyme induction
Abstract:
The authors report the cases of 3 patients who died from fulminant hepatitis after receiving iproclozide, a hydrazine-containing monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Fulminant hepatitis in these patients resembled that reported in patients receiving other hydrazine-containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors: (1) the 3 patients were women; (2) the monoamine oxidase inhibitor has been ingested for 1 month or more; (3) the main clinical manifestations were jaundice and disorders of consciousness; (4) hypersensitivity manifestations were absent; (5) the predominant liver lesion was necrosis; (6) all 3 patients died. In our 3 patients, jaundice occurred 7 to 10 days after the adjunction to iproclozide of a microsomal enzyme inducer. These observations suggest that concomitant administration of iproclozide and of microsomal enzyme inducers may produce fulminant hepatitis in man. It is speculated that iproclozide could be, like iproniazid, transformed into a hepatotoxic metabolite, the production of which would be increased by microsomal enzyme induction.
Insights
Iproclozide, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, may cause fatal fulminant hepatitis, particularly when combined with microsomal enzyme inducers. This drug interaction poses a significant risk for liver toxicity in susceptible patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used to treat depression.
- Hydrazine-containing MAOIs have been associated with hepatotoxicity.
- Iproclozide is a hydrazine-containing MAOI.
Observation:
- Three female patients developed fulminant hepatitis after prolonged iproclozide use.
- Jaundice and consciousness disorders were primary clinical signs.
- Hepatitis onset was linked to the addition of microsomal enzyme inducers.
Findings:
- Concomitant use of iproclozide and microsomal enzyme inducers may trigger fulminant hepatitis.
- Liver lesions predominantly showed necrosis.
- All three patients experienced fatal outcomes.
Implications:
- Iproclozide, like other hydrazine MAOIs, may form hepatotoxic metabolites.
- Microsomal enzyme induction could increase the production of these toxic metabolites.
- Caution is advised when prescribing iproclozide with enzyme-inducing agents.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Metabolism: Phase I Reactions
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Pharmacogenetics of Phase I Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 Isozymes
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions

