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Published on: 10/28/2025

What medications are safest for someone with cirrhosis?

In people with cirrhosis, medication choices need to be made carefully to avoid liver damage. Many common drugs need dose adjustments or should be avoided entirely. See below to understand more.

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Explanation

When someone has cirrhosis, their liver doesn't work as well as it should. This means that medications need to be chosen carefully because the liver helps process many drugs.

Here are some important points:

  1. Avoid Certain Medications: Some drugs can be harmful to the liver and should be avoided. This includes certain pain relievers, like acetaminophen, in high doses.

  2. Dose Adjustments: Many medications may need to be given in smaller doses. This is because the liver can't break them down as well as it should.

  3. Safe Medications: Some medications are generally safer for people with cirrhosis. These include certain antibiotics and medications for treating high blood pressure.

  4. Monitoring: It's important for doctors to regularly check how well the liver is working. This helps them decide which medications are safe to use.

Choosing the right medication for someone with cirrhosis is important to avoid further damage to the liver. Always talk to a healthcare provider about what medications are safe.

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