The Effect of Chlorpromazine on Hepatic Function and Morphology

Chlorpromazine Jaundice

“…The results of hepatic-function tests in those cases reviewed by Werther and Kore-litz, as well as in those reported by others,20· [22][23][24][25] consistently show the alterations in¬ dicative of an obstructive type of jaundice. As noted by Shay and Siplet,16 the elevation of the serum alkaline phosphatase value is the first chemical abnormality noted in the patient with "liver sensitivity" to chlor¬ promazine, and therefore it is the most sen¬ sitive and accurate means of detecting impending hepatic dysfunction in those pa¬ tients being treated with the drug.…”

Clinical and Laboratory Manifestations of Hepatotoxicity

“…11 · 28 · 29 These data and the occurrence of fever, rash, chilliness, and eosinophilia in more than half of the patients (FIGURE 4) suggest that the hepatotoxic reaction reflects drug hypersensitivity. 17 Nevertheless, the several reports [30][31][32] of functional or histologie abnormalities of the liver occurring in as high as 50 per cent of patients who receive chlorpromazine suggest that factors other than, or in addition to, hypersensitivity may con tribute to the hepatic lesions associated with chlorpromazine jaundice. Slight or moderate hepatomegaly occurs in three-fourths of the patients, while splenomegaly occurs in about five per cent of them.…”