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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Drugs Cause Abnormalities In The Blood?

Hi, I am 50 years old. I had blood tests yesterday and here are the abnormal results : creatinine 0.55 mg/dL, AST 57U/L, ALT 165U/L, whereas other liver tests are normal - BILT 0.5, ALB 3.8, TP 6.8. Recently I often take WalPhed PE of Walgreen once I get cold or flu (usually 7-9 days). Is it possibility that the drug causes abnormal results especially ALT like that. I would appreciate your kind reply to my concern.
Wed, 4 May 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Incomplete data like any history of alcohol intake or any liver problem.
I can understand your concern towards the safety of the OTC medication for common cold or 'flu'.
The OTC medication Wal Phed PE of Walgreen contains a nasal decongestant (Phenylephrine) & antihistaminic (Chlorpheniramine Maleate) and is commonly used for the symptomatic relief of common cold or flu.
It's pretty safe medication in general and is unlikely to be responsible for the raised liver enzymes such as AST & ALT. These enzymes could be raised due to alcohol intake, liver or gall bladder diseases.
I would advise you to quit alcohol and smoking and repeat the liver function tests after 4-6 weeks. If the results do not become normal, then you can consult a physician for further evaluation to rule out other causes.
Regards.
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Do Drugs Cause Abnormalities In The Blood?

Hi & Welcome. Incomplete data like any history of alcohol intake or any liver problem. I can understand your concern towards the safety of the OTC medication for common cold or flu . The OTC medication Wal Phed PE of Walgreen contains a nasal decongestant (Phenylephrine) & antihistaminic (Chlorpheniramine Maleate) and is commonly used for the symptomatic relief of common cold or flu. It s pretty safe medication in general and is unlikely to be responsible for the raised liver enzymes such as AST & ALT. These enzymes could be raised due to alcohol intake, liver or gall bladder diseases. I would advise you to quit alcohol and smoking and repeat the liver function tests after 4-6 weeks. If the results do not become normal, then you can consult a physician for further evaluation to rule out other causes. Regards.