Headlines like “Eight pills you shouldn’t take because they damage your kidneys” are often misleading. Many medicines can affect the kidneys, but for most people they are safe when used correctly and under medical supervision.
Common medicines that can increase the risk of kidney problems include:
- NSAID painkillers – such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. These can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, especially in older adults, people with kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, or those taking certain blood pressure medicines.
- Certain antibiotics – such as gentamicin and other aminoglycosides. These are usually given in hospital, where kidney function is monitored.
- Some antiviral medicines – a few antiviral drugs can affect the kidneys and may require dose adjustments.
- Certain chemotherapy drugs – some cancer treatments can be toxic to the kidneys, which is why patients are monitored closely.
- Lithium – used to treat bipolar disorder. Long-term use can affect kidney function, so regular blood tests are recommended.
- Some diuretics (“water tablets”) – these don’t usually damage the kidneys directly but can contribute to dehydration, which may reduce kidney function if severe.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – medicines such as omeprazole have been linked to rare cases of kidney inflammation and, in some studies, a higher risk of chronic kidney disease. The overall risk for an individual remains low, and these medicines are appropriate when there’s a clear medical reason to use them.
- Some diabetes medicines – certain drugs need dose adjustments or should be stopped if kidney function declines. Others may actually help protect the kidneys, so this depends on the specific medication.
Don’t stop prescribed medicines without advice
If you’re taking any of these medicines, don’t stop them on your own. For many people, the benefits outweigh the risks. If you have kidney disease or are concerned about your kidneys, your healthcare provider can review your medicines and, if needed, monitor your kidney function with blood and urine tests.
If you tell me the specific eight pills listed in the article or share a screenshot or link, I can explain which claims are accurate and which are exaggerated.
