The headline “Eight pills you shouldn’t take because they damage your kidneys” is misleading if taken literally. Many medications can affect the kidneys under certain circumstances, but that does not mean everyone should avoid them.
Examples of medications that can increase the risk of kidney injury include:
- NSAID pain relievers (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac), especially with long-term use, high doses, dehydration, or existing kidney disease.
- Certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides (used in specific hospital settings), which require careful monitoring.
- Some antiviral medications, depending on the drug and dose.
- Certain chemotherapy drugs, which are prescribed with close medical supervision.
- Lithium, used for bipolar disorder, which may affect kidney function over time in some people.
- Some diuretics (“water pills”), which can contribute to dehydration and kidney problems in certain situations.
- Certain blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs) can change kidney function. However, they also protect the kidneys in many people, especially those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, so they should not be stopped without medical advice.
- High-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been linked to rare kidney problems, but the overall risk is low, and these medicines are appropriate for many people when used as prescribed.
The key point is that the risk depends on the medication, dose, duration, your health, and whether you’re dehydrated or have existing kidney disease. Many of these medications provide important benefits and are safe when taken as directed.
Do not stop a prescribed medication because of a social media post. If you’re concerned about how a medicine may affect your kidneys, discuss it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, who can weigh the risks and benefits based on your individual situation.
