What Kind of Medications Are Given for Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, is caused by a long-term liver disease or by an injury, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. When a patient has cirrhosis, the liver cannot function properly, which can lead to kidney failure, swelling of the legs, high blood pressure and easy bleeding or bruising. Medicines are prescribed to cirrhosis patients.

Diuretics

• Diuretics can be given to cirrhosis patients who are also affected by ascites and edema. The diuretics work to remove extra fluids from the body.

Beta-Blockers

• Doctors may recommend beta-blockers to reduce or eliminate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse.

Lactulose

• Lactulose, an oral laxative, can be given to patients with cirrhosis to help cleanse their bowels. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed to accompany the lactulose.

Antiviral Drugs

• Cirrhosis can be caused by a type of hepatitis. If this is the case, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral drug, such as interferon, to treat the hepatitis and the cirrhosis simultaneously.

Medications for Symptom Relief

• Some patients experience symptoms of cirrhosis, such as itching or fatigue, and these symptoms can be treated with a variety of medicines, as prescribed by a doctor. Itching can be treated by cortisone, and fatigue is sometimes treated with the medicine modafinil.