Checking several liver function tests after long-term medication use
Dec 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
For individuals on long-term medication, liver function tests should primarily focus on four key indicators: transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase. The specific testing panel should be adjusted according to the type of medication, duration of use, and individual patient factors to comprehensively assess drug-induced liver effects. In addition to regular monitoring, patients on prolonged medication should maintain a light diet, strictly avoid alcohol, refrain from spicy or irritating foods, and adhere to a regular sleep schedule without staying up late.
When taking medication long-term, liver function tests should primarily focus on four key indicators: transaminases, bilirubin, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase. The specific test items should be adjusted according to the type of medication, duration of use, and individual patient conditions to comprehensively assess the impact of drugs on the liver. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Transaminases are sensitive markers of hepatocyte injury—elevated levels often indicate liver cell damage. Bilirubin reflects the liver's metabolic function, and abnormalities may suggest cholestasis or severe hepatocyte injury. Albumin indicates the liver’s synthetic capacity; reduced levels imply diminished synthetic function. Elevated alkaline phosphatase is commonly associated with biliary obstruction. These four parameters form the fundamental and essential components of liver function monitoring.
Certain medications with unique metabolic pathways may require additional testing. For example, long-term use of lipid-lowering agents might necessitate triglyceride monitoring, while immunosuppressants may require coagulation function tests. Physicians will flexibly adjust the testing panel based on the drug's risk level for hepatotoxicity and the patient’s underlying liver condition to avoid missing potential issues.
Besides regular monitoring, individuals on long-term medication should maintain a light diet, strictly abstain from alcohol, avoid spicy and irritating foods, adhere to regular sleep patterns without staying up late, and never adjust medication doses without medical guidance. These measures help reduce the burden on the liver and support stable liver function.
