Many conditions (see table Mechanisms and Some Causes of Jaundice in Adults), including use of certain drugs (see table Some Drugs and Toxins That Can Cause Jaundice), can cause jaundice, but the most common causes overall are Inflammatory hepatitis (viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, toxic hepatic injury) Alcohol-related liver disease Biliary obstruction Table Table Evaluation of Jaundice History History of present illness should include onset and duration of jaundice.