Your liver doesn’t complain, even when it’s struggling. It filters toxins, processes food and keeps your body balanced. But some everyday medicines, mainly the ones you reach for without a second thought can quietly stress it out.
Dr Swapnil Sharma, Consultant–Liver Transplant and Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, said several prescription and over-the-counter drugs can increase liver enzyme levels, an early sign of liver strain. “Most medicines are safe when taken correctly,” he told Health Shots, “but misuse, overuse, or mixing them with alcohol can be risky.”
Common medicines that can raise liver enzymes
Dr Sharma listed ten types of medicines that may affect liver health if taken without care.
- Painkillers (Paracetamol): Helpful for fever and pain but exceeding the recommended dose can damage the liver and, in extreme cases, cause liver failure.
- Statins: Used to control cholesterol. For some people, these can cause a mild, temporary rise in liver enzymes.
- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, like amoxicillin–clavulanate, may inflame liver cells. Doctors advise stopping the drug if jaundice or severe fatigue develops.
- Antifungal medicines: Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole or fluconazole can affect the liver if used for long periods.
- Anti-seizure drugs: Medications like valproate and phenytoin, vital for controlling seizures, can increase enzyme levels with prolonged use.
- Methotrexate: Used for arthritis and cancer, it can strain the liver over time. Regular enzyme checks help keep it safe.
- Tuberculosis drugs: Isoniazid and related medicines are known to cause drug-induced liver injury if not monitored closely.
- Antidepressants: Some can slightly raise liver enzymes, especially when combined with alcohol.
- Anabolic steroids: Used to build muscle, they can cause long-term liver damage and, in some cases, tumours.
- Hormonal birth control pills: Rarely, these can alter liver function or enzyme levels.
Simple steps to protect your liver
Dr Sharma advised against self-medicating. “Never take any drug, even a painkiller, without checking with your doctor,” he said. He also warned against alcohol use while on medication that affects the liver.
A few simple habits, he added, can go a long way like a balanced diet, enough water, regular exercise and routine liver function tests if you’re on long-term medication.
Your liver may stay silent, but it remembers everything you put into your body. A little caution today can save you from serious trouble later.
