List Medications Can Cause Liver Enzymes To Be Elevated With Effective Concentration On Liver Enzymes

It's important to note that this isn't an exhaustive list, and any medication has the potential to cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them.

What Medications Can Cause Liver Enzymes To Be Elevated?

Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and some fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), can sometimes lead to elevated liver enzymes.

Statins: These cholesterol-lowering medications used to be routinely monitored for liver enzyme elevation. However, doctors no longer check them as frequently unless there's a specific concern.

Pain Relievers:  Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage at high doses or with long-term use. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can also elevate liver enzymes, especially in high doses or with long-term use.

Antidepressants:  Some antidepressants, like tricyclic antidepressants and fluoxetine (Prozac), can affect liver function.

Anticonvulsants: Medications used to treat seizures, like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid, can sometimes cause elevated liver enzymes.

Antifungal Medications:  Fluconazole and other antifungal medications can impact liver function.

Antiviral Medications:  Medications used to treat HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C can sometimes elevate liver enzymes, although this is often monitored closely by doctors.

Hormonal Medications:  Birth control pills, anabolic steroids, and some thyroid medications can potentially affect liver enzymes.

Chemotherapy Drugs that used for cancer management can damage the liver and cause elevated enzymes.

Elevated liver enzymes can occur due to various medications. Here are some common medications and their potential impact on liver enzymes:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen, when taken in excessive doses, can cause liver damage. The maximum safe dose for a healthy person is 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day. However, this range may not be safe if you drink alcohol or have liver disease1.

Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering Medications): Statins (such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, and lovastatin) are used to manage high cholesterol. While they rarely cause liver damage, doctors no longer routinely check liver enzymes for people on statins1.

Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, including synthetic penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, may lead to elevated liver enzymes.

Anti-Seizure Drugs: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid (used for seizures) can affect liver enzymes.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like diclofenac can cause liver injury, leading to elevated liver function tests (LFTs) without symptoms.

Diabetes Drugs: Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide) used to manage diabetes may impact liver enzymes.

Tuberculosis Drugs: Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (used for tuberculosis) can affect liver function.

Antifungal and Antiviral Drugs: Ketoconazole (antifungal) and valacyclovir, ritonavir (antiviral) may influence liver enzymes.

Fluoxetine (antidepressant), risperidone (antipsychotic), methotrexate (rheumatoid arthritis), and abused drugs (alcohol, cocaine, anabolic steroids) can also impact liver function

Here's what you can do:

Don't take a medication or stop current therapy without consultation of your doctor or just message me.