Liver reactions from trimethoprim.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study whether there are adverse liver reactions to trimethoprim and, if found, to describe the biochemical pattern of these reactions. DESIGN: We surveyed all liver reactions from trimethoprim to SADRAC (Swedish Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee) from 1980 to 1989. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of reported adverse liver reactions [number of reported adverse liver reactions/sales of trimethoprim in defined daily dose (DDD)]. RESULTS: During 1980-1989, 21 suspected liver reactions from trimethoprim were reported. A causal relationship was considered probable in 10 of these reports, which gives an incidence of 1/1360000 DDD. The distribution of reaction types for trimethoprim was virtually identical to that found in corresponding adverse reports for trimethoprim-sulfonamides, whereas the sulfonamides as single drugs displayed a significantly higher proportion of more severe hepatocellular reactions.