Terminal hepatic failure following a small dose of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim

Gastroenterology. 1981 Apr;80(4):816-9.

Abstract

Fatal hepatotoxicity is a known complication of sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. We report a case of a man previously exposed to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim who died of liver failure following subsequent ingestion of only two tablets of the drug (160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole). This case indicates the danger to a susceptible patient of even small (e.g., "rechallenge") doses of sulfamethoxazole.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ascites / chemically induced
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Hepatitis / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / chemically induced
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Sulfamethoxazole / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Sulfamethoxazole