Painkillers for diseases of the liver

There is a variety of liver diseases that are associated with different symptoms. However, it is particularly important to take the right medication, because the liver is the central metabolic organ of the human body and is responsible, among other things, for the breakdown of medicinal toxins. Some medications have a damaging effect on the liver and can, in the worst case, cause severe damage and even lead to liver failure and death.

It is therefore very important to take the “right” painkillers for liver diseases. In order to relieve the liver, drugs that are excreted via the kidneys can be chosen. However, this requires that the kidney is sufficiently functional. If the kidney is also damaged, the dose must be adjusted.

These painkillers are beneficial in the case of liver disease

In general, it is important to know that almost every package insert of drugs states that they can be harmful to the liver, because the active ingredients are broken down by the liver. If you have an existing liver disease, you should always consult your doctor about which painkiller to take. The choice of painkiller is usually based on the administration of metamizole (e.g. Novalgin), as Novalgin is mainly excreted via the kidneys and is therefore more effective than other drugs in cases of liver failure.

Novalgin can be taken earlier in cases of impaired liver function than paracetamol or drugs from the NSAID group. The liver-toxic effect is significantly lower. According to the package insert, multiple high doses should not be taken if liver function is impaired. However, if the dose is taken for a short time, it does not have to be reduced and Novalgin can be taken despite impaired liver function.

These painkillers are unfavorable in case of liver disease

There is a list of drugs that could cause problems in existing liver disease or advanced liver failure. Below is a list of the best known and most commonly taken medications. However, it should be noted that a potentially liver damaging medication does not necessarily lead to liver damage.

Depending on the diagnosis, certain medications must be taken despite possible side effects. In any case, the taking of medication must be discussed with the doctor. The following articles may also be of interest to you:

  • Liver Failure
  • Liver Pain

Paracetamol is the drug that can cause most liver damage.

For this reason, it should not be taken without consulting a physician even if the liver is already damaged. The fatal thing is that paracetamol, in small amounts, is the best tolerated painkiller and, for example, is also the drug of choice for pregnant women due to its low side effects. The disadvantage, however, is the liver-toxic effect in the case of an overdose, which is why it is absolutely necessary to pay attention to the maximum dosage.

  • In a previously damaged liver, paracetamol has a hepatotoxic effect at a dose of about 6 g.
  • Symptoms of paracetamol overdose are nausea, paleness, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. At these signs you should immediately consult a doctor, because liver damage caused by paracetamol can be life-threatening.

All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can damage the liver. The most well-known drugs are ibuprofen, ASS or diclofenac.

With each of these medicines it is pointed out on the package insert that it is to be done without with existing liver damage. As with other drugs from the NSAID group, ibuprofen, ASA (aspirin) or diclofenac can cause the levels of one or more liver enzymes to increase. Aspirin is an acetylsalicylate and belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

It has an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect and has an influence on blood clotting. Aspirin, which belongs to the NSAID group, is also contraindicated in acute liver failure. However, its liver-damaging effect is significantly less than that of paracetamol.

Morphine is a powerful painkiller from the opioid group. It is mainly used for very severe pain and is available only on prescription. It is therefore not suitable for mild forms of pain. It is important that the dose is always adjusted by the doctor to the individual patient.If liver function is impaired, morphine should only be taken in exceptional cases and after consultation with a doctor. The problem with taking it despite liver failure is that both the effect of the morphine and the half-life can increase.