Drugs and the Liver: A Guide to Drug Handling in Liver Dysfunction

Liver disease is a widespread and increasing problem throughout the world, however little is published on how different types and degrees of liver dysfunction affect the body’s ability to handle medicines. Drugs and the Liver is designed to assist practitioners in making pragmatic choices for their patients. It aims to: enable the practitioner to assess liver function using biochemical markers, other tests, signs, symptoms and disease knowledge; identify which pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of a drug are likely to be affected by different types of liver disease; and consider the impact of a drug’s side effects on a patient with liver disease.This practical guide covers background information on liver function, the principles of drug use in liver disease and includes a section of worked examples of commonly asked questions. It will be invaluable to clinical pharmacists and anyone making medicine choices in patients with liver impairment.