Publication:

Drugs and hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive review

Hepatotoxicity is a leading cause of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. It denotes liver damage resulting from exposure to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, herbal preparations, or other foreign compounds. It is a major concern in clinical practice and drug development, as liver injury is a frequent cause of treatment discontinuation and drug withdrawal. Owing to its central role in metabolism and detoxification, the liver is particularly susceptible to toxic injury. The spectrum of hepatotoxicity ranges from mild, transient elevations in liver enzymes to severe acute liver failure. This review discusses the role of the liver in xenobiotic metabolism, mechanisms of hepatotoxicity, types of liver injury, implicated drugs, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and preventive measures. Emphasis is placed on integrating mechanistic insights with clinical applications to aid in early detection, better therapeutic strategies, and reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with hepatotoxicity.