Yellow eyes, medically known as jaundice, indicate an accumulation of bilirubin in the body’s tissues. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment formed as red blood cells break down. While often associated with liver issues, jaundice can also be a symptom of adverse reactions to certain medications. This discoloration signals an underlying problem, as the body is not processing or eliminating bilirubin effectively.
Medications That Can Cause Yellow Eyes
Many medicines can lead to drug-induced liver injury, potentially resulting in yellow eyes. Pain relievers containing acetaminophen, especially when taken in excessive doses, are a common cause. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen, can also induce liver inflammation.
Antibiotics are another category known to cause liver damage. Amoxicillin-clavulanate, for example, is frequently implicated in drug-induced liver injury, often causing cholestatic jaundice. Other antibiotics like erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and certain sulfa drugs have also been linked to liver issues.
Other medications can also contribute to yellow eyes. These include anti-seizure medicines, statins used to lower cholesterol, and some anti-tuberculosis agents like isoniazid. Herbal and dietary supplements, despite their “natural” perception, are also a significant cause of drug-induced liver injury, with examples including green tea extract and kava.
The Mechanism Behind Drug-Induced Jaundice
The liver metabolizes and clears chemicals, making it susceptible to damage from medications. When drugs cause liver injury (hepatotoxicity), they impair the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin. A healthy liver removes bilirubin from the bloodstream and excretes it through bile.
Drug-induced liver injury can manifest as hepatocellular injury, cholestasis, or a mix of both. Hepatocellular injury involves damage to liver cells, while cholestasis refers to a reduction or stoppage of bile flow. When the liver’s function is compromised, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to its deposition in tissues, including the whites of the eyes, causing them to appear yellow.
This liver damage can range from mild elevations in liver enzymes, which may be asymptomatic, to severe liver failure. The injury’s severity depends on factors like the drug’s dose, individual susceptibility, and concurrent alcohol or other drug intake. Some drugs cause predictable, dose-dependent injury, while others trigger unpredictable, idiosyncratic reactions.
What to Do If Your Eyes Turn Yellow
Yellowing of your eyes is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention. It indicates a potential underlying issue with your liver or bile ducts that needs prompt evaluation. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or discontinue any prescribed medications without consulting a doctor first.
Your doctor will likely conduct blood tests to assess liver function, checking for elevated liver enzyme levels and bilirubin. They will also review your complete medication history, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and any recent changes. Early detection and discontinuation of the offending medication can significantly decrease the severity of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.