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Can Metoprolol For High BP Cause High Levels Of ALT And AST?
Question: hello,
I just went for my annual physical and blood work my enzymes for my liver were high the ALT was 85 and the AST was 55. I take metoprolol for high blood pressure it looks like this medication could be the reason. any insight on this would be appreciated.
thank you so much
XXXX
I just went for my annual physical and blood work my enzymes for my liver were high the ALT was 85 and the AST was 55. I take metoprolol for high blood pressure it looks like this medication could be the reason. any insight on this would be appreciated.
thank you so much
XXXX
Brief Answer:
it is rare side effect of this medication, values decrease if stopped
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can cause an increase in liver enzymes (AST, ALT).
Hepatitis is one of the rare side effects of this medication but normally the enzymes and any effect on the liver, decrease ,when the medication is discontinued.
In one documented case, the enzymes decreased within 48 hours. The reference can be given if you wish.
In most , a decrease, if the increase enzymes is related to this medication only, should occur within a week.
If you and your doctor decide to discontinue the metoprolol then your liver enzymes could be repeated in 1 to 2 weeks to see if they have normalized.
If there is not significant change, then there may be another cause.
Other common causes of increase liver enzymes are: (1) NON alcoholic fatty liver disease
This is liver disease not related to alcohol use.
It is related to diet ,activity.
It is the build up of fat in the liver which can progress to liver damage if treatment is not started.
(2)infection eg the hepatitis viruses
(3)alcohol
(4)trauma
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
it is rare side effect of this medication, values decrease if stopped
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can cause an increase in liver enzymes (AST, ALT).
Hepatitis is one of the rare side effects of this medication but normally the enzymes and any effect on the liver, decrease ,when the medication is discontinued.
In one documented case, the enzymes decreased within 48 hours. The reference can be given if you wish.
In most , a decrease, if the increase enzymes is related to this medication only, should occur within a week.
If you and your doctor decide to discontinue the metoprolol then your liver enzymes could be repeated in 1 to 2 weeks to see if they have normalized.
If there is not significant change, then there may be another cause.
Other common causes of increase liver enzymes are: (1) NON alcoholic fatty liver disease
This is liver disease not related to alcohol use.
It is related to diet ,activity.
It is the build up of fat in the liver which can progress to liver damage if treatment is not started.
(2)infection eg the hepatitis viruses
(3)alcohol
(4)trauma
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply- I'm also taking Synthroid for my Hypothyroid disease would that make my liver enzymes high? I just starting taking the Metoprolol a little over a year ago but have been on the Synthroid for about 3years.
I just spoke to my Doctors office about taking me off the Metoprolol and retesting in a week. I really don't think I have Hepatitis (I hope not).
What are your thoughts about my direction? At least I can rule out Metoprolol if my levels go down.
Thank you,
XXXX
I just spoke to my Doctors office about taking me off the Metoprolol and retesting in a week. I really don't think I have Hepatitis (I hope not).
What are your thoughts about my direction? At least I can rule out Metoprolol if my levels go down.
Thank you,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
synthroid does not have known side effect
Detailed Answer:
HI
Synthroid is not known to have any significant effect on the liver.
If your thyroid hormone levels are low , then this may possibly be having an effect. It is one of possible contributing causes to NON alcoholic fatty liver.
If you and your doctor agree to stop the medication , using an appropriate alternative then you can recheck in a week to see if there is improvement
Please feel free to ask any other questions
synthroid does not have known side effect
Detailed Answer:
HI
Synthroid is not known to have any significant effect on the liver.
If your thyroid hormone levels are low , then this may possibly be having an effect. It is one of possible contributing causes to NON alcoholic fatty liver.
If you and your doctor agree to stop the medication , using an appropriate alternative then you can recheck in a week to see if there is improvement
Please feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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