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- • Problems associated with jaundice can include severe itching and infections in the bile. If the drainage
- procedures described above are not effective, itching will often be relieved by Benadryl, Atarax or
- cholestyramine.
- • Large doses of narcotics may be needed to relieve pain. Such drugs may have excessive side effects, since they
- are eliminated by the liver, which may not be functioning properly.
- • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be surprisingly effective even against the pain associated with bile
- duct cancer.
- • Frequent small meals may be necessary to get enough nutrition since an abdominal mass may reduce the size of
- the stomach.
- • Water pills (diuretics) can reduce fluid in the abdomen or legs. They may cause significant imbalance in kidney
- function, however, and can create problems if not carefully monitored and adjusted.
- • Nausea will often be relieved by standard medications, including suppositories.
- • Loss of appetite may be helped by a drug called Megace .
- • Sleep disturbances are common, but most sleeping pills are broken down by the liver, so they should be used
- carefully.
