10 Common Medications That Can Affect Your Kidneys — And How to Protect Yourself
The viral claim that these medicines will “silently damage your kidneys” is too broad. Some medications can injure the kidneys, while others mainly require dose adjustments when kidney function is reduced. Some drugs that appear on these lists—such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs—can actually protect kidney function in many people.
1. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs
Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, and celecoxib. Long-term or high-dose use can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and increase the risk of acute kidney injury. The risk is greater with dehydration or existing kidney disease.
2. High-dose aspirin
Aspirin above about 325 mg/day has NSAID-like effects on the kidneys. This is different from low-dose aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular protection, which shouldn’t be stopped without medical advice.
3. Some antibiotics
Certain antibiotics can directly affect the kidneys, while many others are cleared through the kidneys and may need dose adjustments based on eGFR. This doesn’t mean you should avoid antibiotics when they’re medically necessary.
4. Some antiviral medicines
Some antivirals are eliminated through the kidneys and can accumulate when kidney function is reduced; others can potentially cause kidney injury. Your clinician may adjust the dose according to kidney function.
5. Some antifungal medicines
Certain antifungals can affect the kidneys or require reduced dosing when kidney function is impaired. Monitoring is important when these medicines are used.
6. Diuretics (“water pills”)
Drugs such as furosemide can be essential for controlling blood pressure and fluid overload. However, dehydration or excessive fluid loss can contribute to acute kidney injury.
7. ACE inhibitors
Examples include lisinopril and enalapril. These can change kidney blood-test results and require monitoring, but they’re also kidney-protective for many people, particularly those with certain types of kidney disease and high blood pressure.
8. ARBs
Examples include losartan and valsartan. Like ACE inhibitors, they aren’t simply “kidney-damaging drugs.” They can protect the kidneys in appropriate patients, although kidney function and potassium may need monitoring.
9. Lithium
Long-term lithium treatment can affect kidney function in some people. If you take lithium, regular monitoring of kidney function and lithium levels is important.
10. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Medicines such as omeprazole and similar acid-reducing drugs have been associated with kidney-related problems in some patients. They shouldn’t automatically be discontinued, but long-term use should be periodically reviewed with your clinician
