Subacute hepatic necrosis induced by piroxicam

Abstract

Hepatotoxicity is a recognised side effect of most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs1 and may be hepatocellular, cholestatic, or a combination of both. In most cases the prognosis of those patients who survive the acute phase is good, though recognition and withdrawal of the offending drug is important. Piroxicam, a relatively new agent belonging to the oxicam class, appears to be the least hepatotoxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.1 We, however, describe a patient who presented with features of acute hepatocellular injury that progressed to fatal subacute hepatic necrosis despite withdrawal of the drug. © 1986, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.