8 Pills You Should Be Careful With If You Want to Protect Your Kidneys
The claim that these medicines should never be taken is too broad. Many are safe and medically necessary when prescribed appropriately. The concern is that certain medicines can injure the kidneys, worsen existing kidney disease, or accumulate when kidney function is reduced.
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National Kidney Foundation
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Ibuprofen — an NSAID that can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause acute kidney injury, particularly with high doses, prolonged use, dehydration, or existing kidney disease.
Naproxen — another NSAID with similar kidney risks.
Diclofenac — an NSAID that can affect kidney function, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.
Meloxicam — also an NSAID and can pose kidney risks, particularly in people with CKD.
Celecoxib — a prescription NSAID that can also reduce kidney blood flow.
High-dose aspirin — aspirin above 325 mg/day can have NSAID-like kidney effects; low-dose aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular protection is a different situation and should not be stopped without medical advice.
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National Kidney Foundation
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Certain antibiotics — some antibiotics can directly affect the kidneys, while many others simply require dose adjustment when kidney function is reduced. Never skip an antibiotic that has been prescribed without speaking to your clinician.
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National Kidney Foundation
Certain antacids and acid-reducing medicines — products containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium or other ingredients may accumulate in people with significant kidney disease, so the product and dose need to be checked.
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National Kidney Foundation
⚠️ One combination deserves special attention
Taking an NSAID + an ACE inhibitor/ARB + a diuretic (“water pill”) can substantially increase the risk of acute kidney injury, particularly during dehydration or illness.
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National Kidney Foundation
Don’t stop prescribed medicines on your own. If you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, or take several medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your entire medication list.
If you give me the names of the pills you’re taking, I can tell you which ones may affect your kidneys and what questions to ask your doctor.
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