Managing Cirrhosis: Medications and Treatment Approaches

Cirrhosis treatment primarily focuses on addressing the underlying causes and managing symptoms through targeted therapies, including medications. If cirrhosis is caused by viral hepatitis such as hepatitis B or C, antiviral drugs play a crucial role in controlling the disease. For chronic hepatitis B infection, first-line treatments include entecavir and tenofovir, which help suppress viral replication and slow liver damage. In contrast, hepatitis C can often be completely cured using a range of direct-acting antiviral medications.

Once cirrhosis has developed, it cannot be reversed with current medical treatments. Therefore, the key goal becomes halting or slowing the progression of liver damage by treating the root cause. This includes avoiding alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and lifestyle changes to manage fatty liver disease, and discontinuing any medications that may contribute to liver injury.

For patients with autoimmune liver diseases, immunomodulatory and antifibrotic drugs—including certain traditional herbal formulations—can be beneficial, especially in early-stage cirrhosis or fibrosis. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical in improving long-term outcomes for individuals at risk of progressive liver damage. Managing contributing factors effectively can significantly reduce complications and enhance quality of life.