The liver is located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity and is the largest solid organ in the human body. It has a variety of functions including metabolism, detoxification, fat and protein metabolism, storage, breakdown of red blood cells, and blood purification. As the main metabolic and detoxification organ in the body, the liver is able to synthesize and break down a variety of substances and regulate various indicators in the blood. At the same time, the liver also has the function of storage and decomposition, maintaining the balance of many substances in the body.
Drug-induced liver injury refers to abnormal or impaired liver function due to drug use or exposure. Drug-induced liver injury can be mild, manifesting only as elevated levels of liver enzymes, or it can be severe, leading to liver failure or even death.
The mechanism of drug-induced liver injury is complex, which may be related to factors such as the toxic effects of the drug itself, metabolic pathways, dosage and individual differences.
What are the drugs that can easily cause liver damage?
1. Long-term use of over-the-counter drugs: Long-term or excessive use of over-the-counter drugs, such as pyrazecept acetate, acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, etc., may cause liver damage.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may cause liver damage in long-term, high-dose or abuse situations.
3. Antipyretic analgesics: Long-term or excessive use of antipyretic analgesics, especially those containing acetaminophen (paracetamol), may cause liver damage.
4. Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, erythromycin, etc., may have adverse effects on the liver if used for a long time or in excess.
5. Anti-epileptic drugs: Some anti-epileptic drugs, such as phenobarbital and carbamazepine, can cause abnormal liver function.
6. Some traditional Chinese medicines: Some traditional Chinese medicines, such as Bupleurum chinensis, Rehmannia and so on, may cause damage to the liver.
How can we avoid drug-induced liver damage in our daily lives?
1. Take medication according to the doctor's instructions: Before using any medication, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist to understand the correct medication method, dosage and duration. Follow your doctor's advice and use your medication as prescribed.
2. Pay attention to the drug instructions: read the instructions of the drug carefully and follow its instructions for use and contraindications. Pay special attention to whether there are any warnings or precautions related to liver function.
3. Avoid drug abuse: Do not abuse over-the-counter drugs or illegal drugs, and avoid adjusting the dosage or frequency of drugs by yourself to avoid damage to the liver.
4. Pay attention to drug interactions: Some drugs may interact with each other and increase the burden on the liver. When using multiple medications, especially prescription drugs with over-the-counter drugs or traditional Chinese medicines, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for any interactions.
5. Be cautious about using drugs with potential hepatotoxicity: For people with pre-existing liver problems or other chronic diseases, drugs with potential hepatotoxicity should be used with special caution.
6. Regular liver function check: When using some drugs that may affect the liver, liver function tests should be carried out regularly, and whether there are symptoms of liver damage should be closely observed.
The health of the liver is essential for the proper functioning of the entire body. Before using any medication, you should be fully informed about the medication and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the medication is used safely.
Previous articles
Can hemiplegia recover from cerebral hemorrhage?
What are the precautions after intestinal polyp removal, you must know!