OTC Medications That Can Hurt Your Liver

Many people rely on OTC medications for relief from pain, cold symptoms, and other ailments, but some of these drugs can harm your liver. Painkillers like acetaminophen, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or over long periods. Even supplements like kava and green tea extract can be risky. The liver processes these substances, and excessive use can lead to liver toxicity, inflammation, or even liver failure. It’s essential to follow dosage instructions and consult with a health care provider if you have liver issues or are taking other medications or supplements.

Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, is a go-to for relieving pain and reducing fever. But it can also cause liver damage if you take too much of it at once or take a high dose for several days. Normally the liver breaks down the acetaminophen, but high doses can overwhelm it and cause toxic substances to build up and damage liver cells. Symptoms of liver damage from too much acetaminophen can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice). It’s crucial to stick to the recommended dosage and avoid combining it with alcohol, which can worsen the effects on your liver. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help right away, as early aid can help prevent severe liver damage.

You might be surprised to learn how many common medications contain acetaminophen. Besides Tylenol, it’s an ingredient in various cold and flu remedies like DayQuil, NyQuil, and some forms of Mucinex. It’s also found in pain relievers such as Excedrin and Alka-Seltzer Plus. Because acetaminophen is so widespread, it’s easy to accidentally take more than the safe limit, especially if you’re using multiple medications at the same time. Always read labels carefully and keep track of your total acetaminophen intake to avoid liver damage. If you’re unsure, consult your pharmacist or health care provider for guidance.

Ibuprofen, sold under brand names like Advil and Motrin, is a popular choice for pain relief and inflammation. While it’s generally safe when used as directed, long-term or excessive use can lead to liver damage. In recommended doses  , Ibuprofen is typically safely broken down by the liver, but high doses can cause liver toxicity, leading to symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and jaundice. It’s very important to follow the recommended dosage and avoid ibuprofen if you have any problems with your liver. If you get any signs of liver damage, stop taking the medication and consult your health care provider right away.

Naproxen, also known by brand names such as Aleve, Anaprox, Menstridol, and Naprosyn, among others, is another NSAID that can potentially harm your liver. While it can reduce pain and inflammation, long-term use or high doses can lead to liver toxicity. Naproxen is processed by the liver, and having too much of it can cause liver inflammation and damage. If you have liver issues or are taking other medications that affect the liver, you must use naproxen cautiously. Consult your health care provider to find the safest NSAID for your liver health and always follow the recommended dosage.

Aspirin is a common medication used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation, but it can also affect your liver, especially in people with liver conditions like fatty liver disease. While low doses of aspirin are generally safe, high doses or long-term use can lead to liver toxicity. Symptoms of liver damage from aspirin may include nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Follow the recommended dosage and consult your health care provider first if you have liver issues. They can help you find a safe aspirin dose for your liver health.

Pseudoephedrine, found in decongestants like Sudafed, can harm people with advanced liver disease. That’s because when your liver doesn’t function properly, taking pseudoephedrine can lead to increased levels of the drug in the bloodstream, causing toxicity. Some formulations of Sudafed may also contain acetaminophen, which itself can cause liver toxicity. Possible symptoms of worsening liver damage from pseudoephedrine include nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. If you have liver disease, consult your health care provider before using medications containing pseudoephedrine or any other over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements. They can recommend safer alternatives to manage your symptoms without risking further liver damage.

While many people turn to supplements for health benefits, it’s often unclear whether they help, and some can harm your liver. Supplements like kava, green tea extract, comfrey, and black cohosh have been linked to liver damage. Unlike medications, supplements are not strictly regulated by government agencies, meaning that sometimes, they may not be safe or effective. Also, excessive use of supplements or combining multiple supplements can overwhelm the liver, leading to toxicity and liver damage. Consult your health care provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have liver issues or are taking other medications.