Medicines and Products for Jaundice

There is no single medicine for jaundice. Treatment is aimed at the cause, and the doctor decides which medicines are suitable.

By cause

• Hepatitis A and E: usually supportive care. Most people recover without specific medicines.
• Hepatitis B and C: antiviral medicines may be used in selected cases under a specialist.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: steroids and immune-suppressing medicines
• Gallstones and blocked bile ducts: procedures such as ERCP or surgery, with antibiotics for infection
• Haemolytic causes: treatment of the underlying blood condition, and folic acid in some cases
• Medicine-related jaundice: the doctor stops or changes the medicine. Never stop TB or other long-term medicines on your own.
• Wilson disease and other inherited disorders: specific medicines under a specialist
• Cholestasis itching: medicines such as cholestyramine or ursodeoxycholic acid may be prescribed
• Newborn jaundice: phototherapy, and in rare severe cases exchange transfusion

Vaccines

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines protect against two common causes.

Cautions

• Avoid paracetamol in high doses and avoid self-medication, as many medicines are processed by the liver.
• Avoid alcohol, herbal tonics and supplements unless your doctor agrees.
• Do not take painkillers such as diclofenac or aspirin without advice.
• Avoid old or leftover prescriptions.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check before using any medicine.

Key point

Medicines for jaundice depend on the cause. Never self-treat, and tell the doctor about everything you take.

Before your appointment

Note when the yellow colour began and the colour of your urine and stools. List all medicines, herbs, supplements and alcohol use. Mention fever, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, recent travel, injections, transfusions, tattoos and contact with others with jaundice. For a baby, note birth date, feeding pattern, wet nappies and the mother's blood group. Ask about tests, the likely cause and which signs need urgent care. Call 112 for confusion, bleeding or severe pain with fever.