Liver function: what it does and why it matters

Your liver filters toxins, makes bile, stores energy, and helps clot blood. Those jobs keep you alive and feeling well. When liver cells get stressed by medicines, alcohol, infections, or fatty buildup, tests and habits can catch problems early.

Many common drugs can affect liver enzymes. Think about prednisone, sulfasalazine, pantoprazole, azithromycin, and some antifungals. Even antibiotics that seem safe may raise liver numbers in some people. If you take long term medicine, ask your doctor about liver monitoring.

Liver function tests (LFTs) are simple blood checks. They measure enzymes like ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. High results point to injury or blockage. Your doctor looks at trends, not one value, before deciding on changes.

Watch for signs that suggest liver trouble: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe belly pain, unusual tiredness, or easy bruising. These symptoms need medical checks quickly.

You can protect your liver with clear steps. Cut back on alcohol. Keep a healthy weight. Avoid mixing medicines without advice. Use acetaminophen cautiously and never exceed recommended doses. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B prevent infections that harm the liver.

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If tests show elevated enzymes, doctors may stop the suspected drug, order more tests, or suggest imaging. Some conditions need specialist care. Others improve after stopping the offending agent and giving the liver time to heal.

Certain antibiotics and anti TB drugs carry clear liver risks. Ethionamide, for example, can affect the liver and needs monitoring. Dapsone also has rare liver effects and requires care. Know the risks for the medicines you take.

When to test

Test when starting long treatments, after any unexplained jaundice, before major surgery if you have liver disease history, and if routine blood work shows changes. Repeat testing as your doctor advises. Keep records of results and dates so changes are easy to spot.

Quick liver care tips

Eat vegetables, avoid heavy alcohol sessions, watch supplements, and follow dosing instructions for all medicines regularly tested.