In my medical career, it is not uncommon for patients to experience liver problems. Whenever this happens, I check the patient's aminotransferase level in detail, as this is one of the important indicators to determine the status of liver function. Once, a middle-aged male patient came to my clinic with abnormal aminotransferase levels during a routine physical examination. He looked very anxious because he didn't understand why the indicator was suddenly too high. I remember sitting in my office that day with a list of drugs in his hand that he had recently been prescribed in other situations. After some questioning, I found out that he was using some drugs that could be harmful to his liver without consulting a hepatologist. His situation made me realize that many people don't know what drugs can increase the burden on the liver, which is a common cause of abnormal liver function.
Introduction to aminotransferases and their importance
In my daily outpatient practice, I often see patients who are unfamiliar with the term "aminotransferases", but it is one of the key indicators to detect liver health. Aminotransferases mainly include alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are enzymes in our body and are mainly found in the liver. The main role of these enzymes is to aid in the metabolism of amino acids and are indispensable participants in the process of protein synthesis and breakdown. Normally, aminotransferase levels should be relatively stable in the blood. When the liver is damaged, such as due to a viral infection, alcohol injury, drug overdose, or other metabolic disorder, these cells break down and release aminotransferases, causing elevated levels of aminotransferases in the blood. Therefore, high aminotransferase levels in blood tests are often a warning sign of liver damage. It is important to pay attention to the level of aminotransferases, as it can not only help us diagnose the presence of liver disease, but also be used to monitor the progression of liver disease or the effectiveness of treatment. For example, during treatment for people with chronic hepatitis, doctors will periodically test aminotransferase levels to determine whether treatment is working or whether treatment regimens need to be adjusted.
Hepatic drug burden: four drugs to avoid; When elevated aminotransferase levels are diagnosed, it means that your liver may be under additional stress or already damaged. In such cases, certain common medications may further burden the liver and even lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which medications may be harmful to the liver. Below, I will list four types of medications that should be avoided in the event of liver insufficiency and briefly explain their potential effects on liver health. 1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly used analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Although they are very effective at dealing with pain and inflammation, this class of drugs is extremely dependent on the liver for metabolic processes. In cases of impaired liver function, these drugs can lead to increased liver inflammation and even trigger severe liver damage. 2. Antibiotics: Certain types of antibiotics, such as macrolides (e.g., erythromycin) and tetracyclines, are known to have negative effects on the liver. These antibiotics are metabolized in the liver, and if the liver is insufficient, it can lead to the accumulation of drugs in the body, increasing the risk of liver toxicity.
3. Antifungals: Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole are known for their strong metabolic stress in the liver. Extreme caution must be exercised when using these drugs to treat fungal infections if liver function is impaired, as these drugs can cause serious liver reactions, including hepatitis and further decline in liver function. 4. Sedatives and antidepressants: Some sedatives and antidepressants (such as benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants) are also metabolized by the liver. In cases where liver health is already compromised, the use of these drugs may cause the liver to be overloaded during metabolism, increasing the risk of liver damage. safe alternatives and treatment recommendations; When aminotransferase levels are found to be elevated, many people consider immediate medication for quick improvement. However, we must be cautious when choosing a drug so as not to burden the liver. In addition, there are a number of safe alternative treatment options to consider that are not only effective in managing aminotransferase levels, but also supporting liver health.
1. Choose liver-protecting drugs: Under the guidance of your doctor, you can choose some drugs that have liver-protective functions, such as: Lactothisrin: This is a natural herbal supplement that is widely used to treat liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Lactothisrin can help repair liver cells and promote the recovery of liver function. Compound amino acid preparations: These preparations can provide the liver with essential amino acids, help reduce the workload of the liver, and promote the repair and regeneration of liver cells.
2. Change your lifestyle: Eat a reasonable diet: reduce the intake of greasy, high-fat foods, increase the proportion of vegetables and fruits, and try to choose light, easy-to-digest foods. Regular exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming can help improve the body's metabolism and promote liver health. Get enough sleep: Get enough sleep to help your body recover and reduce stress on your liver. 3. Monitoring and regular check-ups: Regular check-ups: Even if symptoms improve, regular blood tests should be done to monitor aminotransferase levels and adjust the treatment plan in time. Doctor's Consultation: Follow your doctor's advice, have regular follow-up appointments, and adjust your medications and lifestyle according to changes in liver function. 4. Use of adjuvant therapies: Traditional Chinese medicine treatment: Some Chinese herbal medicines have the effect of protecting the liver and promoting liver cell regeneration. Under the guidance of a professional doctor, choose a Chinese medicine suitable for your situation for adjuvant treatment. Psychological support: Maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude can help with overall health and reduce the psychological stress caused by illness.