8 medications to use cautiously to protect your kidneys
The headline “8 medications that damage your kidneys” is too absolute. Many medicines are safe and necessary when taken at the correct dose. The risk becomes greater with high doses, prolonged use, dehydration, existing kidney disease, or certain drug combinations.
N
NIDDK
+1
Eight categories worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist are:
Ibuprofen — an NSAID that can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, particularly with dehydration or kidney disease.
Naproxen — another NSAID with similar kidney risks.
High-dose aspirin — especially when used regularly for pain rather than the low doses prescribed for cardiovascular protection.
Certain antibiotics — some can directly injure the kidneys or require dose adjustment when kidney function is reduced.
Certain antivirals — some antiviral drugs can accumulate or cause kidney injury and need kidney-function monitoring.
Certain antifungals — some can be nephrotoxic, particularly at higher doses or with prolonged treatment.
Some heartburn medicines — prolonged use of certain proton-pump inhibitors has been associated with kidney problems in some people.
K
KDIGO
+1
Some medicines that are cleared by the kidneys — these may not directly damage the kidneys, but can build up to unsafe levels when kidney function declines and therefore require a lower dose.
N
NIDDK
⚠️ The biggest everyday concern
For many people, NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the most important ones to watch. NIDDK warns that they can cause acute kidney injury, particularly when you’re dehydrated, have low blood pressure, or already have kidney disease.
N
NIDDK
Don’t assume that every blood-pressure medicine is harmful to the kidneys. ACE inhibitors and ARBs can actually slow kidney disease and help protect kidney function in appropriate patients.
N
NIDDK
+1
Never stop a prescribed medicine simply because of a social-media warning. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medications need a kidney-function check or dose adjustment.
If you give me the names of the medicines you take, I can explain which ones can affect the kidneys and what warning signs to watch for.
N
K
Sources
