Hepatitis, nonviral
Classified as toxic or drug-induced (idiosyncratic) hepatitis, nonviral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Most patients recover from this illness, although a few develop fulminating hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Causes
Nonviral hepatitis results from various causes, including:
alcohol overuse— follows heavy alcohol consumption
direct hepatotoxicity— hepatocellular damage and necrosis usually caused by toxins; it’s dose-dependent and occurs primarily in connection with acetaminophen overdose
idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity—follows a sensitization period of several weeks; caused by a host hypersensitivity to medications (isoniazid, methyldopa, mercaptopurine, lovastatin, pravastatin, dipyridamole, and halothane)
