[Hepatitis, cholestasis and amineptine (author's transl)].

Eight cases of hepatitis induced by amineptine chlorhydrate, a new tricyclic antidepressant are reported. Jaundice and/or biological changes occurred 16 to 75 days after the onset of treatment and with a total oral dose of 3,8 to 26 grams. Biologically, cholestasis and cytolysis have been observed simultaneously in 4 cases, cholestasis alone in 2 cases, and prevalent cytolysis in 2 others. After withdrawal of amineptine, clinical improvement was achieved within 10 to 21 days, whereas biological changes of hepatic function tests lasted for as long as 3 to 12 weeks. Physiopathology of such disorders is not clear : toxicity, enzyme induction, immunoallergy, may be considered as possible mechanisms.