Final answer:
The number one cause of drug-induced hepatitis is acetaminophen, an over-the-counter medication often used for pain relief and fever reduction, which can lead to liver damage when taken in high doses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one cause of drug-induced hepatitis is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or marketed under the brand name Tylenol, can lead to severe liver damage when overdosed. This drug functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, and while it is generally associated with fewer side effects than aspirin, in high doses, it poses a significant risk to liver health. Unlike statins, which reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, acetaminophen's overdose toxicity is specifically associated with hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity).