Fulminant hepatitis associated with disulfiram. Report of a case

Abstract

Disulfiram is used commonly as reinforcement in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. Although the drug is generally considered safe, there are reports of side effects including psychosis and hepatitis. We report a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis caused by the use of disulfiram in a man with previously normal hepatocellular function.

Disulfiram-Induced Acute Liver Injury

“…Side effects of disulfiram include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes serious dermatological, neurological or psychiatric manifestations [ 2 ]. Although considered a relatively safe drug from an hepatological point of view, cases of disulfiram-associated liver injury have been reported several years ago [ 3 – 7 ], sometimes presenting as a fulminant hepatic failure [ 8 , 9 ]. Available data favor an idiosyncratic reaction occurring after several weeks of exposition, with a positive rechallenge and a causal relationship established in most cases [ 10 ].…”