Headlines such as “Eight pills you shouldn’t take because they damage your kidneys” can be misleading. The reality is that many medications can affect the kidneys in certain people or under certain circumstances, but they are often safe and beneficial when used correctly. You should not stop a prescribed medication without talking to the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Here are eight categories of medicines that can pose kidney risks in some situations:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen.
- Can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, especially in people with chronic kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, or older age.
- Certain antibiotics
- Some antibiotics can affect kidney function or require dose adjustments in people with reduced kidney function.
- Some antiviral medications
- Certain antiviral drugs can be hard on the kidneys or require monitoring.
- Some diuretics (“water pills”)
- Can contribute to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances if not used appropriately.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs
- These blood pressure medicines can cause changes in kidney function when first started or during dehydration, but they also protect the kidneys in many people with diabetes or kidney disease. Regular monitoring is important.
- Lithium
- Long-term use can affect kidney function in some people and typically requires periodic blood tests.
- Certain chemotherapy drugs
- Some cancer treatments can be toxic to the kidneys, so kidney function is monitored closely during treatment.
- Some acid-reducing medications
- Long-term use of certain proton pump inhibitors has been associated with an increased risk of some kidney conditions, although the overall risk for an individual is generally low.
Help protect your kidneys
- Take medications only as directed.
- Stay hydrated unless you’ve been told to limit fluids.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take.
- Have kidney function checked if recommended, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or existing kidney disease.
If you tell me the name of a specific medication, I can explain whether it has known kidney-related risks, who is most at risk, and what symptoms or monitoring are recommended.
