Severe liver injury after initiating therapy with atomoxetine in two children

Two children presented with acute hepatitis after starting therapy with atomoxetine (Strattera®). In one child, no competing diagnosis could be identified, and liver injury resolved completely on withdrawal of the medication. In the second child, the evaluation was suggestive of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis; she subsequently improved with removal of atomoxetine and concomitant immunosuppressive therapy. Atomoxetine may cause clinically significant hepatotoxicity either by metabolic idiosyncrasy or by inducing autoimmune hepatitis.