Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Elevated ALT And AST Levels?
Question: Hi there.
I recently had a blood and urine test done. The ALT and AST (Im not sure if thats how it is spelt) were both elevated. Also, I had a blood and urine test done about 2 months ago and everything was normal, AST and ALT again both were normal. Last year had a few tests done and AST and ALT were normal. This was the only test (taken 3 days ago) where they were high.
Also, I have been a little sick recently and I was taking anti biotics (amoxcillian 500) for about 2 weeks, also have been taking acetemophin (tylonel, advil ) more frequently then normal to control sore throat. But I did not take these everyday. When I did take them, I would take 1 - 2 pills about 3 or 4 times a day. Again, I didn't do this often but definetly was taking them atleast one dose per day, or I would skip a few days and take 3 doses for one day after a while.
Doctor told me it isn;t anything to worry about but I should go back to follow up with him.
Can the painkillers or anti biotics have caused this? Since the same thing only 2 months before was completely normal.
thanks
I recently had a blood and urine test done. The ALT and AST (Im not sure if thats how it is spelt) were both elevated. Also, I had a blood and urine test done about 2 months ago and everything was normal, AST and ALT again both were normal. Last year had a few tests done and AST and ALT were normal. This was the only test (taken 3 days ago) where they were high.
Also, I have been a little sick recently and I was taking anti biotics (amoxcillian 500) for about 2 weeks, also have been taking acetemophin (tylonel, advil ) more frequently then normal to control sore throat. But I did not take these everyday. When I did take them, I would take 1 - 2 pills about 3 or 4 times a day. Again, I didn't do this often but definetly was taking them atleast one dose per day, or I would skip a few days and take 3 doses for one day after a while.
Doctor told me it isn;t anything to worry about but I should go back to follow up with him.
Can the painkillers or anti biotics have caused this? Since the same thing only 2 months before was completely normal.
thanks
Brief Answer:
Maybe drug induced
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
You have not mentioned how much the AST and ALT were elevated. Some degree of elevation is possible with these drugs. Or even due to the viral infection which caused all these.
I would not worry too much for only these tests provided you are doing fine otherwise. Again, assuming that the levels are not very high. If you can send exact values, that would help.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow up.
Regards
Maybe drug induced
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
You have not mentioned how much the AST and ALT were elevated. Some degree of elevation is possible with these drugs. Or even due to the viral infection which caused all these.
I would not worry too much for only these tests provided you are doing fine otherwise. Again, assuming that the levels are not very high. If you can send exact values, that would help.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow up.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Most recent test:
ALT was 197
AST was 76
________________
Last month I got same test. ALT that time was 39 and AST was 23. November 2015 same test and again both ALT and AST were in normal range. March 2015 last year ALT was 116, but it went back down to normal.
All other things are fine. Health wise feel fine also. But I'm a little concerned about these numbers.
Also, in November doctor sent me for blood test after one or two abnormalities. He said he will get all liver functions checked. Everything came back normal that time as well
ALT was 197
AST was 76
________________
Last month I got same test. ALT that time was 39 and AST was 23. November 2015 same test and again both ALT and AST were in normal range. March 2015 last year ALT was 116, but it went back down to normal.
All other things are fine. Health wise feel fine also. But I'm a little concerned about these numbers.
Also, in November doctor sent me for blood test after one or two abnormalities. He said he will get all liver functions checked. Everything came back normal that time as well
Brief Answer:
It seems liver abnormalities are coming off and on
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
Welcome back.
This level of ALT is significant. And from March last year these abnormalities are coming occasionally and going away. In November you have mentioned few abnormalities but not in ALT or AST.
Was it in bilirubin or alkaline phosphatase?
In any case, I think you need further evaluation with ultrasound and viral markers at least, apart from a full LFT of course.
If nothing found, we need to followup the LFT over next few weeks. If it normalizes then probably you have a propensity to liver enzyme elevation from drugs or infections.
Regards.
It seems liver abnormalities are coming off and on
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
Welcome back.
This level of ALT is significant. And from March last year these abnormalities are coming occasionally and going away. In November you have mentioned few abnormalities but not in ALT or AST.
Was it in bilirubin or alkaline phosphatase?
In any case, I think you need further evaluation with ultrasound and viral markers at least, apart from a full LFT of course.
If nothing found, we need to followup the LFT over next few weeks. If it normalizes then probably you have a propensity to liver enzyme elevation from drugs or infections.
Regards.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
