Definition of Drug-induced cholestasis:

Drug-induced cholestasis is a blockage in the flow of bile from the liver that occurs with medication use.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bile is produced in the liver, moved to the gallbladder, and released into the gut through the biliary tract. It helps the body digest fats.

Certain drugs can slow or stop the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder and gut, which may damage the liver.

Many drugs can cause cholestasis, including:

• Ampicillin and other penicillin-based antibiotics
• Anabolic steroids
• Chlorpromazine
• Cimetidine
• Erythromycin
• Gold salts
• Imipramine
• Nitrofurantoin
• Oral contraceptives
• Prochlorperazine
• Sulindac
• Tobutamide

Other medications can also cause cholestasis in some people.