Amiodarone Hepatotoxicity

Authors: Babatin, Mohamed; Lee, Samuel S.; Pollak, P. T.

Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology, Volume 6, Number 3, July 2008 , pp. 228-236(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Potential hepatotoxicity related to amiodarone therapy is often a concern when deciding whether to initiate or continue treatment with this medication. While mostly associated with long-term oral administration of the drug, toxicity has also been reported early during intravenous administration and months after discontinuation of therapy. In the majority of patients, it is discovered incidentally during routine testing of liver biochemistry and rarely do the hepatic effects develop into symptomatic liver injury or failure. Despite the widespread use of amiodarone, prospective clinical studies have been sparse and there has been little consensus among experts in the field regarding optimum monitoring for adverse effects in patients receiving this drug. In order to examine the current state of knowledge surrounding the incidence, pathogenesis and mechanism of liver effects associated with amiodarone, the existing literature was reviewed, with particular emphasis on clinical recommendations for monitoring.

Keywords: Amiodarone; liver disease; adverse effects; toxicity; drug-induced; liver chemistry; histology; monitoring

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108784912019

Publication date: 2008-07-01

More about this publication?

Vascular disease is the commonest cause of death in Westernized countries and its incidence is on the increase in developing countries. It follows that considerable research is directed at establishing effective treatment for acute vascular events. Long-term treatment has also received considerable attention (e.g. for symptomatic relief). Furthermore, effective prevention, whether primary or secondary, is backed by the findings of several landmark trials.

Vascular disease is a complex field with primary care physicians and nurse practitioners as well as several specialties involved. The latter include cardiology, vascular and cardio thoracic surgery, general medicine, radiology, clinical pharmacology and neurology (stroke units). Current Vascular Pharmacology will publish reviews to update all those concerned with the treatment of vascular disease. For example, reviews commenting on recently published trials or new drugs will be included. In addition to clinically relevant topics we will consider 'research-based' reviews dealing with future developments and potential drug targets. Therefore, another function of Current Vascular Pharmacology is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing research.

Debates will also be encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.

Amiodarone Hepatotoxicity

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