Use of N-Acetylcysteine in Amphetamine-Induced Acute Liver Failure

Saif Affas; Mohamad Fekredeen Ayas; Ihab A Kassab

doi:10.14740/jmc3611

Use of N-Acetylcysteine in Amphetamine-Induced Acute Liver Failure

J Med Cases. 2021 Feb;12(2):54-56. doi: 10.14740/jmc3611. Epub 2020 Dec 30.

Authors

Saif Affas^{1

2}, Mohamad Fekredeen Ayas^{1

2}, Ihab A Kassab³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
² These authors contributed equally to this work.
³ Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious complication of many drugs. Amongst recreational drugs, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) have been known to cause ALF as a complication. However, the true effects and management on the liver of such cases have not been well reported and treatment of such conditions needs prompt action. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a known hepatoprotective agent but remains controversial in the use of recreational drug-induced acute liver injury. We present a case of ALF secondary to amphetamine ingestion, with a rapid recovery after administration of intravenous NAC.

Keywords: Acute liver failure; Amphetamine; NAC.

Publication types

Case Reports