Hyperbilirubinemia refers to a condition where a person has too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance contained within red blood cells that helps the blood carry oxygen to body cells. Breakdown of red blood cells releases bilirubin, and people with large amounts of bilirubin in the blood develop jaundice, or yellowing of the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, many different conditions can cause hyperbilirubinemia, either by causing red blood cells to release bilirubin or by preventing the body from breaking down the bilirubin from the blood.
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital belongs to a drug class called anticonvulsants. Physicians typically prescribe medications from that class to treat seizures. According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine, phenobarbital can also decrease the blood bilirubin levels by increasing its removal from the blood and excretion from the body.
Clofibrate
Clofibrate belongs to a drug class called antihyperlipidemics. Physicians prescribe drugs from that class to decrease blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine, clofibrate can also decrease the blood bilirubin levels, so it is useful in treating hyperbilirubinemia.
Metalloporphyrins
Metalloporphyrins inhibit an enzyme that the body uses to produce bilirubin. According to the Cochrane Collaboration of Medical Reviews, metalloporphyrins can effectively treat hyperbilirubinemia by decreasing bilirubin production. Those medications are most effective for treating severe jaundice from hyperbilirubinemia.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hyperbilirubinemia
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2007
- Cochrane Review: Metalloporphyrins for Hyperbilirubinemia
