Fulminant hepatic failure associated with etodolac use

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Drug Safety

Background:

• Etodolac is a pyranocarboxylic acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a distinct chemical structure.
• It is prescribed for managing pain in musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatoid diseases.
• While generally safe, rare instances of NSAID-induced hepatotoxicity, such as elevated transaminases or bilirubin, have been documented.

Observation:

• This case report describes a patient who developed severe liver injury after etodolac administration.
• The patient presented with clinical and biochemical evidence of acute liver failure.
• This represents the first documented instance of fulminant hepatic failure specifically associated with etodolac.

Findings:

• The patient experienced fulminant hepatic failure, a rare and severe adverse drug reaction.
• The liver injury was directly attributed to etodolac, based on the clinical presentation and temporal relationship.
• This finding highlights a previously unrecognized risk associated with etodolac therapy.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe hepatotoxicity with etodolac, even if rare.
• This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for liver function in patients taking NSAIDs.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms of etodolac-induced liver injury may be warranted.