All benzodiazepines can be harmful to the liver and thus should be used with careful monitoring of liver function. Many prescription drugs, including those to treat HIV disease, can stress the liver. Ritonavir, when used at full dose, presents probably the greatest challenge to the liver. But any drug that is metabolized through the liver can create problems. For a list of side effects associated with commonly-used therapies to treat and manage HIV disease, see Dealing with Drug Side Effects .
Alcohol is among the most severely toxic agents processed by the liver.
The American Liver Foundation suggests no more than one drink a day. Total avoidance is recommended for people with liver disease. Many liquid cold and flu medicines contain alcohol and should be used with caution. As a rule, regardless of the type of medication, read the labels and check the ingredients. Avoid street drugs.