Drugs that can destroy your liver when misused
The liver is the primary site of metabolism and detoxification of almost all drugs and other toxins. The liver also serves many other functions such as destruction of old RBCs, formation of clotting factors and plasma proteins, storage of glycogen, amino acids and vitamins, RBCs precursor formation, emulsification of fats, etc. A damaged liver due to certain diseases such as hepatitis, drugs, alcohol, etc, will not be able to carry out its functions as expected. This can lead to a cascade of problems in the body system.
What are the signs of liver damage?
An individual that has liver problems may have the following:
+ Jaundice. This is the discoloration of the eyes and skin due to excess bilirubin unconjugated by the liver. Bilirubin is a waste product obtained from the breakdown of red blood cells after their life span.
+ Whitish stools.
+ Microalbimunaria
+ Inability of blood to clot on time because your liver is responsible for the formation of certain clotting factors, etc.
+ Weight loss
+ Fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue.
+ Pain and swelling of the abdomen, etc.
As stated earlier, the liver can be destroyed by drugs. Such drugs include:
– Paracetamol
– Alcohol
– Illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, tobacco, amphetamines, etc.
– Aspirin
– Sulphonamides e.g. Co-trimoxazole (Septrim®), Sulphadoxine (which is present in Fansidar®), Sulphasalazine, etc
-Antibiotics such as Nitrofurantoin, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin®, Amoksiclav®), Doxycycline, Tetracycline, etc.
– Birth Control pills
– Blood cholesterol lowering drugs such as Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, etc.
– Excess Iron
– MDMA or Ecstasy (illicit drug)
– Anabolic Steroids
– Valproic acid and other anticonvulsants.
This list is not exhaustive. There are many others too.
Mechanisms by which drugs destroy the liver
+ By interfering with the conjugation of bile pigments such as bilirubin
+ By causing biliary obstruction
+ By destroying liver cells
+ By causing fat to infiltrate the liver cells
+ By triggering immune reactions causing inflammation, swelling and liver enlargement.
+ By producing toxic metabolites that mop up glutathione stores, thus releasing free radicals and causing oxidative damage.
+ And many other mechanisms.
Drugs when abused have the capacity to destroy your liver if you misuse them. Always seek proper healthcare intervention when you’re sick or ill. Remember, drugs are potential poisons. Always ensure you consult a pharmacist.
Stay healthy!
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