FATAL JAUNDICE ASSOCIATED WITH IPRONIAZID (MARSILID) THERAPY

Abstract

Iproniazid, a derivative of isoniazid, has recently been introduced as a "psychic energizer." The drug was originally investigated for its antituberculous properties, but the central nervous system stimulation noted in many patients, greater than that obtained with the parent compound, led to its present use. A number of neurological and autonomic disturbances, mostly relatively mild, have occurred in many patients receiving the drug and have been well described.¹A more serious and less well-known toxic effect of the drug is its action on the liver. Abnormal liver function test results, developing in the course of iproniazid therapy, were reported in 9 out of 52 patients in whom such tests were done.²All returned to normal on the same, or decreased, dosage or on withdrawal of the drug. Out of another group of 30 patients receiving iproniazid,³3 developed transient sulfobromophthalein (Bromsulphthalein) retention. In a series of 142