Introduction
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic, progressive liver disease caused by an autoimmune disorder. The disease can be caused by a number of drugs, including immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics. In this article, we discuss the medications that can lead to autoimmune hepatitis and the treatments available.
What Drugs Can Cause Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Several drugs have been linked to the development of autoimmune hepatitis. These include:
Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants are medications that suppress the body's immune system. Examples include cyclosporine, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil.
Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants are medications used to treat seizures. Examples include phenytoin, valproic acid, and carbamazepine.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Examples include amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
How Is Autoimmune Hepatitis Diagnosed?
Autoimmune hepatitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination. Common laboratory tests include liver function tests, which measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood, and autoantibody tests, which detect the presence of autoantibodies in the blood. Imaging studies, such as a liver ultrasound or CT scan, may also be used to look for signs of liver damage.
How Is Autoimmune Hepatitis Treated?
Autoimmune hepatitis is typically treated with medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications include corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil. In some cases, the medications may be combined with other treatments, such as plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin.
Conclusion
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic, progressive liver disease caused by an autoimmune disorder. It can be caused by a number of medications, including immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics. The disease is typically diagnosed through laboratory tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination, and is typically treated with medications that suppress the body's immune system.