Hepatotoxicity induced by antituberculosis drugs

Abstract

Hepatotoxicity is the alteration of liver structure and function induced by either drugs or other substances. The importance of its proper diagnosis¿ rests on its potential severity. It is the most frequent reason by which the pharmaceutical industry withdraws its products. Tuberculosis is a pandemic infection affecting a large proportion of the world population. Together with HIV infection it is becoming ever more frequent in Colombia. Tuberculosis poses a special challenge because its treatment requires the administration, during long periods, of drugs with the potential of inducing liver injury.

In this article some aspects of hepatotoxicity induced by antituberculosis drugs are reviewed, namely: epidemiology, risk factors, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.