Eight pills you shouldn’t take because they damage your kidneys

Many articles and social media posts mention “8 pills that damage your kidneys,” but the reality is more nuanced: these medicines can be harmful in certain situations (high doses, long-term use, dehydration, existing kidney disease, or interactions with other drugs). Many are safe and necessary when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Common medication categories associated with kidney injury include:

NSAID pain relievers
- Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, high-dose Aspirin
- Risk: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys, especially with frequent use.
Certain antibiotics
- Examples include aminoglycosides, vancomycin, and some sulfonamide antibiotics.
- Risk: Direct kidney toxicity or inflammation in susceptible people.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Examples: Omeprazole, Lansoprazole
- Risk: Long-term use has been linked to kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
ACE inhibitor blood-pressure medicines
- Examples: Lisinopril, Enalapril
- Risk: Can sometimes worsen kidney function, particularly during dehydration or when combined with NSAIDs. They are also kidney-protective for many patients when properly monitored.
ARB blood-pressure medicines
- Examples: Irbesartan, Candesartan
- Risk: Similar considerations as ACE inhibitors.
Diuretics (“water pills”)
- Examples: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
- Risk: Dehydration and reduced kidney blood flow can contribute to kidney injury.
Lithium
- Used for certain mental health conditions.
- Risk: Long-term use can cause chronic kidney damage in some patients.
Sodium phosphate laxatives
- Sometimes used before colonoscopy procedures.
- Risk: Can cause acute kidney injury in susceptible individuals.

Important

Do not stop any prescribed medication solely because it appears on a list like this. Many of these drugs provide major health benefits, and doctors often monitor kidney function to use them safely.

If you tell me: