Liver Enzymes

[Seaver]

Can taking the medication zantac on an average of one 150mg tablet per day, and sometimes two in one day, cause an elevated liver enzyme "score?"  I can't seem to get a definitive answer on this.  In additon I am taking Verapamil, 120 mg. per day and Lisonopril HCTZ, 25 mg. per day, and Citalopram HBR, 20 mg 1 per day.  .

Can zantac alone, or in combination with any of the prescription drugs cause liver enzymes to increase?  Been taking the Zantac almost, but not every day for over a year.  Thanks much for you response.  

P.S. I also take one Omeprazole 20 mg every morning.  

[CalGal]

Both omeprazole and zantac can cause abnormal liver function tests.

[Seaver]

Thank you.  So, I go in for another liver enzyme blood test in a month.  I guess I should stop taking both omenprazole and zantac until then?  Is that what you would do?  Thanks.

[CalGal]

You'd better check with your doc about stopping the meds. If you do stop them you're probably going to experience increased reflux and you're not going to be very comfortable.

[Seaver]

Hi again,
    i just wanted to let you know that before I joined this Forum I had left a message on the FDA's question line.  They had not gotten back to me so I thought I'd never hear back.  Today, however, I did hear back from them.  I asked them about whether the meds. and supplements that I've been taking, and especially Verapamil, Zantac and Prilosec OTC could possibly cause an elevation in liver enzymes.  The person told me that the FDA had no reports and that those wouldn't be the reason.  I told her I was also taking fish oil, and two Centrum Cardio vitamins (the ones that supposedly lower cholosterol) per day.  Those two she couldn't comment about because they aren't approved by the FDA.  In any event, I was really hoping that the Verapamil, Zantac and Priloc OTC, either taken individually or in combination might be the culprit.  But she said no.  Am just wondering whether you might have any comments about this, since you have said that the prescription Verapamil and otc drugs Zantac and Prilosec otc might be the issue with the elevated ALP.   Thanks, CalGal.  Seaver

[CalGal]

Seaver, someone is 'fibbing,' and I don't really think it's me. Sign in to medscape.com - good site. Then query the drug section - you type in the med name and hit the little 'drug' category in the main Search box. It will take you to a list of the form that your drug can be purchased. Click the correct form (like: Verapamil oral), and you'll go to a page with a list of what the med is used for and side-effects. If you look on that page, you'll find it list 'Abnormal Hepatic Function' under side-effects for Verapamil, Zantac, etc...........