There are many different liver diseases that can occur from obesity, inherited disorders, infections, and alcoholism. Liver disease leads to scarring, damage, and liver failure. There is a wide assortment of medications used to treat the various diseases that can attack the liver.
A proper diagnosis is needed to determine what is causing the liver disease. Once your doctor knows the cause of your liver problems then they will develop a treatment plan to address the conditions.
Common types of medications used to treat liver disease focus on the many symptoms of a malfunctioning liver.
When the liver is not working properly there is a build-up of waste products in the body. A healthy, functioning liver rids the body of waste. But liver disease causes a buildup of waste toxins which can then travel to your brain via your blood. The toxins can cause memory loss and confusion. Other symptoms include tremors, fatigue, and the inability to carry out a simple task.
Lactulose – Lactulose is a syrup medication that tastes sweet. It acts as a laxative to remove the toxins from the body that build up from liver disease. It also prevents the harmful growth of bacteria in the bowel which release ammonia and impact the brain negatively. Lactulose encourages two to three bowel movements per day.
Rifaximin – Helps prevent infections that can occur when the toxins build up in the body from liver disease.
Fluid can build up in the abdomen and cause swelling in the legs and ankles (edema) with liver diseases. The buildup of fluid feels uncomfortable and makes it hard to breathe.
Spironolactone and Furosemide – Drugs that act as diuretics to rid the body of excess fluid.
Antibiotics such as co-trimoxazole – Help rid the abdomen of fluid buildup which can easily become infected. The antibiotics will treat the infection and also prevent future infections.
Liver disease can cause pressure to increase in the main vein which leads to bleeding and high blood pressure.
Propranolol and Carvedilol – The beta blockers lower high blood pressure that can occur in the main vein that transports blood to the liver. It will also reduce the possibility and severity of bleeding.
Steroids
Liver disease can cause widespread inflammation throughout the liver.
Prednisolone – A steroid, it helps reduce inflammation in the liver. Your doctor will normally prescribe the steroid as a course of treatment. You’ll need to take it with food or after eating.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements – Calcium and vitamin D help protect the bones while taking steroids.
All medications can cause side effects.
Lactulose may cause a decrease in urine, confusion, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, nausea/vomiting, muscle pain, twitching, lightheadedness and increased thirst.
Spironolactone and Furosemide may increase uric acid, leading to low sodium, and dehydration.
Propranolol and Carvedilol may cause low blood pressure and breathlessness.
Steroids can lead to mood swings, weight gain, increased appetite, thin skin, bruising, and delayed healing.
Medications for liver disease help treat the many symptoms of the disorder and do not offer a cure. However, some patients can go on to undergo a liver transplant if the medications to control liver disease stop being effective.