There isn’t a universal list of “8 pills you should never take.” Some medicines can damage the kidneys in certain circumstances, while others actually protect kidney function. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your clinician.
Eight important medication groups to be aware of are:
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs
Naproxen
Diclofenac
Indomethacin
Celecoxib and other COX-2 inhibitors — these are also NSAIDs
Certain antibiotics — some can cause kidney injury, particularly in susceptible people
Some cancer medicines — several chemotherapy drugs can be nephrotoxic
Certain medicines requiring kidney-dose adjustment — reduced kidney function can cause drugs to accumulate and become harmful.
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NIDDK
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The biggest everyday concern
NSAID painkillers deserve particular caution. Regular use of ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and similar drugs can damage the kidneys, with the risk especially important in people who already have kidney disease, are dehydrated, or take certain blood-pressure medicines or diuretics.
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NIDDK
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Importantly, ACE inhibitors and ARBs aren’t simply “kidney-damaging pills.” They can actually slow kidney disease in many people, although dehydration and certain drug combinations can increase the risk of acute kidney injury.
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National Kidney Foundation
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If you give me the names of the medicines you currently take, I can check which ones may affect your kidneys and which combinations deserve caution.
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