Are There Any Specific Medications That Cause Jaundice as a Side Effect

Jaundice is a medical condition that is indicated by yellow coloring of the skin and the eyes due to buildup of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment which is formed by the degradation of red blood cells. Although jaundice is not a disease, it is a sign that there is a problem within the body, most especially the liver. There is however one which is not so well known and that is the use of some medications that can lead to jaundice.

Here, we shall discuss the various drugs which are likely to lead to jaundice, the impact these drugs have on the liver, and what one needs to know if he or she is under these drugs.

Understanding How Medications Can Cause Jaundice

Some of the drugs cause jaundice by blocking the liver’s ability to metabolize bilirubin. The liver is the body’s largest internal organ and serves as the body’s detoxification organ and where most drugs are metabolized. If certain drugs overwork or injure the liver, jaundice occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin.

There are two main mechanisms by which medications cause jaundice:

Cholestatic Jaundice: This type occurs when there is an obstruction in the flow of bile which aids in elimination of bilirubin. It may be a primary consequence of medication or secondary to inflammation or injury to the bile ducts in the liver.

Hepatocellular Jaundice: This happens when the cells of the liver are impaired and are therefore unable to perform the bilirubin function.

Now, let’s consider particular groups of drugs that can lead to the manifestation of jaundice as an adverse reaction.

Medications Known to Cause Jaundice

Some categories of drugs are known to cause jaundice and these include: If you are taking any of the following, it is important to be aware of this potential side effect:

1. Antibiotics

This condition is most often associated with antibiotics – the most frequently prescribed drugs; however, some antibiotics can cause jaundice, including antibiotics belonging to the penicillin and sulfonamide groups. Some drugs such as amoxicillin-clavulanate may cause cholestatic jaundice particularly when administered for long term use.

2. Among the drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most frequently used drugs in the world.

Pain and inflammation relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may result in liver toxicity and jaundice sometimes. NSAIDs are said to cause liver damage and this is made worse by long-term use or overuse of the drugs.

3. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Acetaminophen is an over the counter pain reliever, but taking large doses or using it for a long time have negative effects on the liver. Intoxication with acetaminophen is among the main risks that cause acute liver failure, which leads to jaundice.

4. Statins

Statins are drugs used to manage cholesterol levels in the body according to the doctor’s prescription. As a rule, they are safe; however, some side effects may include liver injury and jaundice. This risk is even higher when statins are taken together with other drugs that are metabolized by the liver.

5. Anabolic Steroids

Cholestatic jaundice can also result from the use of anabolic steroids which are sometimes used in the building up of muscles and for some illnesses. They can be very toxic to the liver, and any use of these drugs can lead to serious health problems.

6. Pill and Hormone Replacement Therapy

Cholestatic jaundice has been reported to be caused by both oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies. This is because estrogen may be metabolised in the liver and may therefore worsen pre-existing liver problems.

7. Antipsychotic Medications

Some of the extrapyramidal side effects include jaundice, and specifically cholestatic jaundice, which is a known side effect of chlorpromazine (Thorazine). This is often the case in elderly people or those with liver complications to begin with, though it can affect anyone.

Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice

If you are on any of the above medicines, it is advisable to monitor for signs of jaundice if you have predisposing factors to liver disease. Common symptoms include:

Jaundice

Dark urine

Pale stools

Fatigue

Upper right quadrant abdominal pain

If you develop any of these symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor immediately for examination and further management. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the more serious liver damage can be avoided.

What to Do if Your Medication Causes Jaundice

In case you believe that a specific medication is causing jaundice, do not stop using it without your doctor’s permission. In turn, some of the drugs should not be stopped without consulting a doctor because their absence can cause more severe side effects. Instead:

1. You need to speak to your doctor to know the next steps to take after informing him or her of your symptoms and your use of the drugs.
2. Go get a liver function test to check for any possible harm done to the liver.
3. Discuss alternatives: Your doctor may prescribe a different medication or reduce the dosage amount that you take to reduce the chances of liver issues.

Some medications may cause jaundice through injury to the liver or through obstruction of the bile ducts. However, it is still important to be informed about these side effects, especially if you are on medication for a long time or if you have liver problems. In the event that you develop any symptom of jaundice while on medication, the chances of getting better can be determined by the time you seek medical attention.

Gem Hospital is here for you and your liver, so you can get the best treatment as soon as possible. If you are having symptoms similar to jaundice or if you are worried about your medications, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our experts.