Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by several different viruses namely, hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, explains the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can cause chronic infection that can lead to prolonged inflammation of the liver and lifelong illness. Hepatitis A and E do not lead to chronic illness and do not usually require medication; however, there are treatments to reduce symptoms of these infections and to help heal the liver. Hepatitis A is typically spread though feces-contaminated food and water; it can also be spread through sexual activity and sharing needles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine hepatitis A vaccination for children aged 12 to 23 months and for adults who are at high risk for infection.
Anti-Viral Drugs
Anti-viral drugs used to treat hepatitis B, C and D are not commonly prescribed for hepatitis A and E because these types of hepatitis normally last for only a few weeks and resolve on their own. Drugs that are used to treat the hepatitis viruses include interferon-alpha drugs, as well as some that are used against HIV infection, such as lamivudine and emtricitabine, explains Aids.org. Newer drugs that are currently in testing phases for HIV may also be affective against some types of hepatitis.
Nausea and Pain Medication
Symptoms of hepatitis A and E include nausea and vomiting that can cause a loss of appetite and weight loss. Drugs that reduce nausea and vomiting can help improve recovery time as the patient's liver heals from the infection. Anti-nausea drugs include Gravol and Reglan as listed at Drugs.com. Drugs to relieve pain, such as acetylsalic acid and ibuprofen, are also important to treat discomfort in patients with hepatitis A and E.
Herbal Drugs
MayoClinic.com notes that some herbal medications help treat all types of hepatitis infections including the strains A and E. These herbal drugs include licorice, which has the scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra, and the herb, milk thistle, which is also called Silybum maranium. These herbal drugs are often taken as capsules, extracts and teas and help to strengthen the liver to better fight the hepatitis viral infection and heal the body.
