Hepatotoxicity of antifungal agents

Abstract

Antifungal agents have been implicated in numerous cases of hepatotoxicity throughout the past few decades. Hepatotoxic reactions to antifungal agents range from slight, asymptomatic abnormalities in liver function tests to potentially fatal fulminant hepatic failure. Clinically significant hepatic injury resulting from antifungal therapy most commonly manifests as acute hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed hepatocellular-cholestatic reactions. In general, reactions usually resolve on cessation of therapy, but some antifungal agents may induce chronic liver damage. This review will summarize the hepatotoxicity profiles of the major classes of antifungal agents and will provide recommendations for drug monitoring in order to minimize the risk of hepatotoxicity.