What Drugs Can Cause Jaundice in Adults?

Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, can be caused by various factors, including certain medications. Drug-induced jaundice occurs when medications disrupt normal liver function or bile flow, leading to impaired bilirubin metabolism and excretion. Some medications known to potentially cause jaundice in adults include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): In high doses or with prolonged use, acetaminophen can cause liver damage and lead to jaundice and other signs of liver injury.
  • Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines, can cause liver toxicity and cholestasis (impaired bile flow), leading to jaundice.
  • Anti-seizure Medications: Some anti-seizure medications, including phenytoin (Dilantin), valproic acid (Depakote), and carbamazepine (Tegretol), have been associated with drug-induced liver injury and jaundice.
  • Statins: Statin medications used to lower cholesterol levels, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor), can rarely cause liver damage and elevate liver enzymes, leading to jaundice.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), have been associated with drug-induced liver injury and jaundice, particularly with prolonged or high-dose use.
  • Isotretinoin: This medication, used to treat severe acne, has been associated with liver toxicity and cholestasis, leading to jaundice in rare cases.
  • Methotrexate: Methotrexate, a medication used to treat certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and severe psoriasis, can cause liver toxicity and jaundice, particularly with high doses or prolonged use.
  • Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine: These medications, used to suppress the immune system in conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and organ transplantation, can cause liver toxicity and jaundice in some individuals.
  • Anabolic Steroids: Certain anabolic steroids used for performance enhancement or medical purposes can cause liver damage and jaundice, particularly with long-term use.
  • Antifungal Medications: Some antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole and fluconazole, have been associated with liver toxicity and jaundice, particularly with prolonged or high-dose therapy.

It’s important to note that while these medications have the potential to cause jaundice, adverse reactions are relatively rare, and most individuals can use these medications safely under medical supervision. However, anyone experiencing symptoms of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and light-colored stools, while taking any medication should seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and management.