8 Pills You Shouldn’t Take Casually Because They Can Harm Your Kidneys

The headline “eight pills you shouldn’t take” is too absolute. Some medicines can injure the kidneys, particularly at high doses, with prolonged use, during dehydration, or in people who already have kidney disease. Many are still appropriate when prescribed and monitored correctly.

1. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs

Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam and celecoxib. These can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and increase the risk of acute kidney injury, especially with high doses or long-term use.

2. High-dose aspirin

Aspirin at more than 325 mg/day falls into the NSAID concern. This is different from low-dose aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular protection. Don’t stop prescribed aspirin without medical advice.

3. Lithium

Long-term or high-dose lithium treatment can affect kidney function and can cause a condition in which the kidneys cannot concentrate urine properly. Regular blood and kidney-function monitoring is important.

4. Some antibiotics

Certain antibiotics can directly affect the kidneys, while many others are primarily a concern because they accumulate when kidney function is reduced. That doesn’t mean antibiotics should be avoided—the dose may simply need adjustment.

5. Some antiviral and antifungal medicines

Several medicines in these groups are cleared through the kidneys and can require dose adjustments; some can also cause kidney injury in particular circumstances.

6. Oral sodium-phosphate bowel preparations

Some products used before colonoscopy can cause serious kidney problems, particularly in people with kidney disease, adults over 55, dehydration, or certain medication combinations. A healthcare professional should choose the bowel preparation.

7. Some blood-pressure medicines in particular situations

ACE inhibitors, ARBs and diuretics are not “kidney-damaging pills” in general. In fact, ACE inhibitors and ARBs can protect the kidneys. However, the combination of an ACE inhibitor/ARB + diuretic + NSAID, especially with dehydration, can substantially increase acute kidney-injury risk.

8. Contrast agents used for some imaging tests

These aren’t pills, but they’re worth mentioning because certain contrast agents can pose kidney risks in susceptible patients. Your medical team can assess kidney function and determine whether precautions are needed