What are the commonly used Chinese patent medicines for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?

For regulating damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, commonly used patent medicines include Longdan Xiegan Wan (Dragon胆Liver Bitter Pill), Yin Zhi Huang Granules, Xiaoyan Li Dan Pian (Anti-inflammatory Gallbladder Tablets), Ku Huang Granules, and Li Dan Pai Shi Pian (Gallbladder-Regulating and Stone-Expelling Tablets). Medication should be taken under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Longdan Xiegan Wan: The main ingredients include Gentiana (Long Dan), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), etc. This medicine effectively clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder. It is commonly used for symptoms caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, such as dizziness, red and painful eyes, tinnitus, deafness, flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, dark-colored urine, and damp-heat-related leukorrhea. It helps alleviate discomfort caused by accumulation of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder through its heat-clearing and dampness-resolving effects.

2. Yin Zhi Huang Granules: Primarily composed of Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Yin Chen), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhi Zi), Scutellariae Radix glycosides (Huang Qin Gan), etc., this medicine clears heat, detoxifies, resolves dampness, and reduces jaundice. It is suitable for jaundice caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, presenting as yellowing of the face and eyes, distension and pain in the hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, and dark yellow urine. It promotes bile excretion and alleviates jaundice symptoms caused by damp-heat.

3. Xiaoyan Li Dan Pian: Contains Andrographis (Chuan Xin Lian), Rabdosia Serra (Xi Huang Cao), Picrasma Quassioides (Ku Mu), and other ingredients. It clears heat, removes dampness, and benefits the gallbladder. It is primarily used for flank pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, as well as acute cholecystitis and cholangitis presenting with the aforementioned symptoms. It helps relieve gallbladder discomfort caused by damp-heat and improves bile flow.

4. Ku Huang Granules: Main ingredients include Sophora Alopecuroides Seed (Ku Dou Zi), Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Yin Chen), and Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua). It clears heat, resolves dampness, regulates the liver, and reduces jaundice. It is suitable for jaundice caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat, such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, accompanied by bitter taste in the mouth, poor appetite, and reduced dark-colored urine. It assists in regulating liver and gallbladder function and promotes the elimination of damp-heat.

5. Li Dan Pai Shi Pian: Contains Herba Lysimachiae (Jin Qian Cao), Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Yin Chen), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), and other components. It clears heat, resolves dampness, benefits the gallbladder, and expels stones. It is suitable for gallbladder distension, flank pain caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, as well as gallstones and cholecystitis presenting with the above symptoms. It helps dissolve stones, improves the damp-heat condition in the biliary tract, and relieves pain and discomfort.

When taking patent medicines to regulate liver and gallbladder damp-heat, it is essential to first confirm that your symptoms match the medicine's indications. Do not take medications arbitrarily without medical advice. If symptoms do not improve after taking the medicine for some time, or if symptoms such as worsening abdominal pain or increased jaundice occur, discontinue use immediately and seek professional medical assistance to avoid delaying appropriate treatment.