Liver Diseases and Effects of Medicines

General Characteristics of Medicines

• Oral intake: Medicines are fat-soluble, absorbed in the intestines, and metabolized in the liver.
• Metabolism: Medicines are usually converted to a water-soluble form in the liver and excreted via the kidneys.
• Excretion Pathway: If they cannot be excreted by the kidneys, they are excreted via bile.
  • Bile excretion: The drug needs to be over 200%.
  • Urinary excretion: The drug needs to be under 100%.

Effects of Liver Diseases

• Liver diseases: Can cause conditions such as jaundice and liver failure.
• Dosage: For drug-induced liver diseases, the dosage of the drug may need to be reduced or stopped.

Factors Affecting Drug Metabolism in the Liver

• Age: Different effects on the liver may be seen depending on age.
• Gender: There might be metabolic differences between women and men.
• Genetics: Genetic factors can alter drug metabolism and effects.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter drug effects.
• Diet: Diet can affect drug metabolism.
• Diseases: Especially chronic liver diseases can adversely affect drug metabolism.

Side Effects and Non-responsiveness to Drugs

• Side Effects: Symptoms of side effects include rash, fever, nausea, abdominal pain.
• Drug Non-responsiveness: The person may not respond to the drug or may not show the expected effect.

Points to Consider in Drug Use

• Reactions: Serious reactions may develop depending on the drug, so they should be monitored carefully.
• Patient Information: It is important to inform patients about drug use and possible side effects.

Special Cases and Drug Use

• Hepatic examples: Drug use should be carefully managed in conditions such as fatty liver, hepatic fibrosis.
• Children: Dose adjustment and control are especially important in children.
• Overdose: Overdose of various drugs can cause serious liver failure.
• Alternative Medicines: Alternative medicines should be preferred if possible.

Monitoring Liver Damage from Drugs

• Laboratory Tests: Liver function tests like ALT, AST are used to monitor the effects of drugs.
• Monitoring Symptoms: Symptoms such as nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain should be monitored carefully.

Factors Affecting Drug Toxicity in the Liver

• Age and Gender: Age and gender differences can affect toxicity.
• Genetic Structure: Genetic susceptibility plays an important role in drug toxicity.
• Diet and Alcohol Use: Diet and alcohol consumption can affect drug toxicity.

Clinical Approaches and Recommendations

• Monitoring Patients: It is important to monitor patients carefully during drug use and make dosage adjustments when necessary.
• Treatment Centers: Treatment centers should be visited in case of liver failure and acute toxicity.
• Patient Education: Patients should be adequately educated about drug use and side effects.
• Alternatives: Medications with fewer side effects should be preferred.

Conclusion

• Liver diseases and the effects of medicines are highly complex and need to be managed carefully.
• Side effects and toxicity of drugs may vary depending on the patient's individual characteristics (age, gender, genetics, etc.).
• Clinical monitoring and proper dosage adjustments are crucial in maintaining liver health.