Review article: mechanisms and management of hepatotoxicity in ecstasy (MDMA) and amphetamine intoxications
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics February 1, 1999 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1999.00454.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Amphetamine Hallucinogen Pharmacology Dopamine |
| Citations | 134 |
| Key findings | Recreational use of amphetamines and MDMA can cause hepatotoxicity, presenting as hepatitis or acute liver failure, particularly in young people. |
Abstract
The social use of ecstasy (methylenedioxymethampheta‐mine, MDMA) and amphetamines is widespread in the UK and Europe, and they are popularly considered as ‘safe’. However, deaths have occurred and hepatotox‐icity has featured in many cases of intoxication with amphetamine or its methylenedioxy analogues such as ecstasy. Recreational use of these drugs presents an important but often concealed cause of hepatitis or acute liver failure, particularly in young people. The patterns of liver damage and multiple putative mechanisms of injury are discussed. Recognition of the aetiological agent requires a high index of suspicion. Optimum management of the resultant liver damage, including the controversial role of liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure, is also discussed.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 17
- Toxicokinetics of Amphetamines: Metabolism and Toxicokinetic Data of Designer Drugs, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Their N-Alkyl Derivatives Therapeutic Drug Monitoring April 1, 2002
- A Comprehensive Review of MDMA and GHB: Two Common Club Drugs Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy December 1, 2001
- Agony and ecstasy: a review of MDMA effects and toxicity European Psychiatry August 1, 2000
- Metabolic pathways of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B): analysis of phase I metabolism with hepatocytes of six species including human. Toxicology January 5, 2005
- Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology of new psychoactive substances (NPS): 2C-B, 4-fluoroamphetamine and benzofurans. Drug and Alcohol Dependence December 1, 2015
and 12 more in the library
Cites 5
- Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Journal of Clinical Pathology February 1, 1996
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and neurotoxicity are independently mediated by 5-HT2 receptors Brain Research October 1, 1990
- Chronic ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine) abuse: a recurrent and unpredictable cause of severe acute hepatitis. Journal of Hepatology October 1996
- Toxicity and deaths from 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy"). The Lancet August 15, 1992
- An overdose of ecstasy. A role for dantrolene. Anaesthesia August 1992