Pruritus

The treatment of patients with pruritus of liver disease poses a challenge to the clinician. Resins (cholestyramine or colestipol) in quantities of 4 to 16 grams a day should be the initial agents used. In those who remain refractory, diphenhydramine should be added, although sedation may limit the use of higher doses. If symptoms still persist, rifampin up to 600 mg/day can be added to the above regimen with close monitoring of hepatic function. If, despite this combination, pruritus persists and quality of life remains poor, experimental therapies in the form of oral opioid antagonists, and orthotopic liver transplantation should be considered.