Chronic liver failure

Chronic liver failure is a life-threatening condition that develops slowly over time as liver damage worsens. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and underlying causes.

Medicines used to manage complications of chronic liver failure may include:

• Diuretics. These medicines, including furosemide, torsemide and spironolactone, help remove extra fluid from the body and reduce swelling or fluid buildup. Diuretics are sometimes called water pills.
• Blood pressure medicines. Certain blood pressure medicines, including beta blockers, can help control increased pressure in the veins that supply the liver, called portal hypertension, and help prevent severe bleeding. Beta blockers include propranolol and carvedilol.
• Antibiotics. These medicines may be used to prevent infection. An antibiotic called rifaximin can reduce certain gut bacteria and lower the risk of confusion or drowsiness caused by toxin buildup, called hepatic encephalopathy.
• Medicines to lower ammonia levels. Laxatives, including lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxatives, can increase bowel movements to help remove toxins, including ammonia, from the body.

Your healthcare team also may recommend vitamins or supplements to help manage chronic liver failure.

• Zinc supplements. Zinc may help the body process and get rid of ammonia more effectively.
• Vitamin K1. Researchers are studying whether Vitamin K1 may reduce risk of death in patients with chronic liver failure. More research is needed.