Irreversible metronidazole encephalopathy in an elderly woman with primary biliary cholangitis

J Gen Fam Med. 2017 Jun 21;18(6):436-438. doi: 10.1002/jgf2.91. eCollection 2017 Dec.

Abstract

An 82-year-old woman with primary biliary cholangitis was diagnosed with an irreversible neurological disorder, caused by metronidazole (MNZ)-induced encephalopathy. Although the disorder is a reversible pathological condition, in rare cases, it can cause serious sequelae or could even be fatal. Therefore, medications should be administered carefully, particularly in patients who require long-term administration of large doses or those with liver dysfunction.

Keywords: encephalopathy; irreversibility; liver dysfunction; metronidazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports