Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Causes and Prevention

Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) is a liver damage caused by medications, including prescription drugs, over-the counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Understanding its causes and prevention strategies is crucial for patients.

Causes of DILI

1. Medications such as :

• • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): High doses or prolonged use can lead to severe liver damage.
  • Antibiotics: Such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, isoniazid, and erythromycin.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen and diclofenac.
  • Statins: Used for lowering cholesterol.
  • Antiepileptic Drugs: Such as valproic acid and phenytoin.

2. Herbal and Dietary Supplements such as:

• • Kava: Used for anxiety and insomnia.
  • Green Tea Extract: Often found in weight loss supplements.
  • Bodybuilding Supplements: Containing anabolic steroids.

3. Exposure to certain industrial chemicals and toxins can lead to liver injury. Such as:

• • Amanita phalloides (death cap mushroom): Contains potent toxins that can cause acute liver failure.
  • Carbon Tetrachloride: Used in some industrial applications.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) is a serious but preventable condition. Here are some Prevention Strategies

• • Talk to your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Regularly review all medications with your doctor to avoid potential interactions between medications that could increase your risk of DILI..
  • Do not take more than the recommended dose of any medication you take. Encourage patients to be vigilant about symptoms of liver injury, such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
  • Get regular check-ups with your doctor. He may recommend liver function tests (LFTs) before and during the use of potentially hepatotoxic medications.
  • Identify and address liver injury at an early stage to prevent severe damage.
  • Ensure that the health supplements come from reputable sources and have been tested for safety.
  • Discuss the use of any herbal or dietary supplements with your doctor.
  • Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption, especially when taking medications that can affect the liver.
  • Maintain a good balanced diet to support a healthy liver.

By understanding the causes and implementing these prevention strategies, the risk of DILI can be significantly reduced, leading to better overall liver health.