How to Treat Toxic Hepatitis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Toxic hepatitis can cause liver damage, which can ultimately end in liver failure if left untreated. The liver can recover from a certain level of damage if you catch toxic hepatitis early enough. Follow these steps to improve the function of your liver after a diagnosis of toxic hepatitis.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Determine what led to the toxic hepatitis. Your doctor can help you determine this, but common causes are prescription medications, herbal supplements and toxic chemicals you're exposed to at work or at home. Excessive alcohol use or alcohol interactions with drugs may also cause toxic hepatitis, as can drug and supplement interactions.
Step 2

Stop your exposure to the drug, supplement or chemical that caused the toxic hepatitis immediately. If you're dependent on alcohol, seek treatment for your alcoholism immediately. Generally, this step is enough to treat toxic hepatitis if you catch it early, though recovery may take months.
Step 3

Discuss options for other medications if the medications or supplements that caused your toxic hepatitis treat a serious condition.
Step 4

Receive supportive therapy at the hospital if your toxic hepatitis symptoms are severe. Supportive therapy generally includes medications to relieve nausea, as well as IV fluids.
Step 5

Undergo a liver transplant to treat your toxic hepatitis as a last resort, when the disease threatens your life.

Tips & Warnings

Keep in mind that the need for liver transplants far outweighs the availability of organs. People with toxic hepatitis caused by alcohol only qualify as candidates for transplant after living alcohol-free for at least six months. These patients must be in the final stages of the disease before transplant becomes a viable option.
Note that all prescription medications are capable of causing toxic hepatitis. Always follow your physician's instructions and discuss with her any adverse effects you may suffer after beginning a drug regimen.
Never take non-prescription medication with alcohol. Seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin can lead to toxic hepatitis when combined with alcohol.

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