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Could cocaine use two days before blood draw cause the LFTs to be elevated?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Could cocaine use two days before blood draw cause the LFTs (ALT=90 and AST=86) to be elevated? If so, how long of an abstinence period (not using cocaine) would be needed to get LFTs back down to normal levels?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read through your query in detail.

Please find my observations below.

  • Taking cocaine two days earlier can increase the LFTs.
    • LFTs can also be raised due to many causes including liver infection, increased alcohol intake, intake of toxic chemicals including cocaine, presence of gall stones, increased intake of fatty foods among others.
      • Usually AST and ALT levels of up to 40 units is considered in normal range.
        • Your levels are 90 and 86 and this is just twice that of normal. It is not a serious concern but attempts should be made to identify any other cause clinically and then treat the particular condition.
          • After cocaine intake, LFTs usually return to normal levels within 1 to 2 weeks.
            • Please note that you also have to reduce other factors that might contribute to increased LFTs like alcohol intake and fatty foods.
              • It is also suggested to get an ultrasound scan of abdomen to look for any suspected liver injury.
                • You can stop taking cocaine for at least 2 weeks and then get the LFTs repeated for accurate results.

                Revert back to a general medicine physician online for further follow up.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 7, 2018
Reviewed At May 7, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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