Liver reactions from trimethoprim.

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.