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Hepatic failure associated with imipramine therapy

Y Ilan1, D Samuel, M Reynes

  • 1Liver unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

Pharmacopsychiatry
|March 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Imipramine, an antidepressant, can rarely cause liver issues. This case shows a rare instance of severe liver injury from imipramine, with full recovery after stopping the medication.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant.
  • Antidepressants can cause liver function abnormalities.
  • These abnormalities are typically mild and transient.

Observation:

  • A 48-year-old male patient presented with severe liver injury.
  • The patient had a history of imipramine usage.
  • The liver injury was characterized as subfulminant hepatic failure.

Findings:

  • Imipramine use was linked to the development of subfulminant hepatic failure.
  • Discontinuation of imipramine led to complete recovery.
  • Full recovery occurred within three months of drug cessation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but severe adverse effect of imipramine.
  • Clinicians should monitor liver function in patients taking imipramine.
  • Early recognition and drug discontinuation are crucial for managing imipramine-induced liver injury.

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