đ« 8 Common Medications That Can Harm the Kidneys â and Why Self-Medicating Is Risky
The headline needs an important qualification: these medicines aren’t automatically âbad for your kidneys.â Many are useful and sometimes essential. The risk depends on the particular drug, dose, duration, existing kidney function, dehydration, and other medicines being taken. (NIDDK)
1. NSAID painkillers
Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and celecoxib. Regular or high-dose use can damage the kidneys or trigger acute kidney injury, particularly during dehydration. (NIDDK)
2. Certain antibiotics
Some antibiotics can cause kidney injury or require a lower dose when kidney function is reduced. They should be used only when prescribed and at the recommended dose. (National Kidney Foundation)
3. Diuretics (âwater pillsâ)
Medicines such as furosemide can be important for blood pressure and heart conditions. However, excessive fluid loss or dehydration can contribute to kidney injury. (NIDDK)
4. ACE inhibitors
Medicines such as lisinopril can slightly change kidney filtration and require monitoring in some circumstances. Importantly, ACE inhibitors can protect the kidneys in many people, so they should never be stopped simply because of a scary internet list. (NIDDK)
5. ARBs
Examples include losartan and valsartan. Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs often protect kidney function, but the risk of acute kidney injury can increase when combined with NSAIDs, diuretics or dehydration. (National Kidney Foundation)
6. Lithium
Long-term lithium treatment can affect kidney function in some people, which is why kidney function and lithium levels are monitored during treatment.
7. Some cancer medicines
Certain cancer treatments can affect the kidneys. Cancer specialists monitor kidney function and adjust treatment when necessary. (National Kidney Foundation)
8. Iodine-based contrast
Contrast used for some CT and other imaging procedures can be a concern in people with reduced kidney function, although it is used safely in many patients when medically appropriate. (National Kidney Foundation)
â ïž The biggest mistake: self-medicating
One particularly important warning is regularly taking NSAID painkillers without checking whether they’re appropriate for you. The risk is greater if you already have kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you’re dehydrated. (NIDDK)
Also, combinations matter. An ACE inhibitor/ARB + diuretic + NSAID can substantially increase the risk of acute kidney injury, especially when dehydration is involved. (National Kidney Foundation)
đ©ș How to protect your kidneys
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC drugs, vitamins and supplements.
- Don’t assume an OTC painkiller is harmless.
- Ask whether your medicines require kidney-function monitoring.
- During vomiting, diarrhea, fever or significant dehydration, ask a healthcare professional whether any medicines need temporary adjustment.
- Don’t stop prescribed medicines on your own, particularly blood-pressure or heart medicines. (NIDDK)
Bottom line: The issue isn’t that these eight medications should simply be avoided. The real danger is unsupervised use, excessive doses, drug combinations and failure to account for reduced kidney function or dehydration.
