drug-induced alkaline phosphatase (raised)

Last edited 09/2019

There are many drugs (1,2) that may result in a raised alkaline phosphatase. It is important to consider that a medication may be the cause of an isolated raised alkaline phosphatase - but also consider other possible causes as well.

Some examples of drugs that may cause a raised alkaline phosphatase include:

  • Antibiotics:
    • penicillin derivatives (1)
    • nitrofurantoin
    • erythromycin
    • aminoglycosides (1)
    • sulfonamides (2)
    • trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (2)

  • Antiepileptic drugs:
    • Carbamazepine
    • Phenobarbital
    • Phenytoin
    • Valproic Acid

  • Antihistamines:
    • Cetirizine (1)

  • Cardiovascular drugs:
    • Captopril (1)
    • Diltiazem
    • Felodipine (1)
    • Verapamil (2)
    • Quinidine (2)
    • Flutamide (2)

  • Disease modifying agents:
    • Penicillamine
    • Sulfa drugs (1)
    • Gold salts (2)

  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons:
    • Oestrogens
    • Anabolic Steroids (2)
    • Steroids (1)
    • Methyltestosterone (2)

  • Psychotropic drugs:
    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
    • Phenothiazines e.g. chlorpromazine (1,2)

  • Diabetes drugs:
    • tolbutamide
    • chlorpropamide
    • tolazamide

  • Other drugs:
    • Allopurinol
    • Methimazole
    • Disulfiram
    • Phenylbutazone

Reference: