Liver function monitoring is particularly important for which medication?

• A. Penicillin
• B. Aspirin
• C. Statins
• D. Warfarin

Answer: (C)

Liver function monitoring is emphasized for medications that can affect the liver. Statins can cause elevations in liver enzymes and, in rare cases, serious hepatotoxicity. Because of that risk, clinicians typically obtain a baseline liver function test before starting a statin and monitor liver enzymes if the patient develops symptoms such as fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, or right upper quadrant pain, or if dose changes occur. If enzyme levels rise significantly (often more than three times the upper limit of normal) or symptoms appear, the statin may need to be stopped or adjusted.

Penicillin and aspirin are not routinely monitored for liver function in standard practice, though they can rarely cause liver injury in some individuals. Warfarin management centers on measuring the INR to ensure anticoagulation is in the therapeutic range; liver disease can impact coagulation factors and thus warfarin response, but routine liver enzyme monitoring is not the primary method used to manage warfarin therapy.