Common medications you keep in your medicine cabinet could damage your kidneys if used excessively or in high quantities.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can harm the kidneys by 20% of the time.
“Although most people don’t give their kidneys a second thought, 1 in 3 Americans are at risk of developing renal disease. The most preventable type of drug-induced kidney illness, according to HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, clinical consultant at BuzzRx, was quoted by Healthline.
Which often prescribed drugs might harm kidneys covertly?
Although several drugs might harm the kidneys, the ones listed below are common ones to be aware of.
NSAIDs
Pain and inflammation are treated using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
They consist of naproxen, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin).
These drugs are some of the most frequent causes of drug-induced kidney disease, and prolonged usage may result in chronic kidney disease.
According to Emily Beckman, APRN, a nurse practitioner at Norton Community Medical Associates, these medications should never be taken daily or frequently without first consulting your healthcare physician.
Antibiotics
To treat bacterial infections, antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins are administered. Although they are frequently prescribed to be fully consumed, many patients do not do so and store extras in their cupboards.
When they sense a cold coming on, many people will attempt to treat themselves with “leftover” antibiotics.
According to Ngo-Hamilton, this is not only ineffectual for a cold brought on by a virus, but it could also seriously harm the kidneys.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most often prescribed drugs because they help lower stomach acid. Examples of PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Although there is a low risk of renal damage generally, Ngo-Hamilton noted that kidney disease is more likely to develop with prolonged use and greater doses.
Blood pressure medications
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are efficient blood pressure regulators that lower the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular disorders.
Benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) are among the popular ACEIs.
ARBs that are often used include irbesartan, candesartan, and azilsartan (Edarbi) (Avapro).
Ngo-Hamilton advised patients, “You should not stop taking these medications unless your doctor instructs you to. But, to prevent raising the danger of renal injury, you should be aware of other medications that can be hazardous for your kidneys while taking these medications.”
Supplements
Supplements can also have an impact on renal function.
While not all supplements are harmful, Beckman advised consulting your doctor on how to use supplements as part of a comprehensive health plan.
Although medicine is truly life-saving, Beckman added, “we constantly have to be cognizant of how our dietary choices and manner of life have a significant impact on our total well-being, including safeguarding our kidneys.”
Likewise, Ngo-Hamilton
According to her, the main issues with herbal supplements are their interactions with over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, as well as their potential to harm the kidneys.
Aristolochic acid is present in a common Chinese medicine that has been related to persistent kidney damage.
These herbal supplements are used to treat weight reduction, menstruation pain, and arthritis symptoms, she explained.
Psychiatric medications
Drugs used to treat mental health difficulties, such as the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine), which is frequently administered, can potentially result in kidney issues.
“Two mood stabilisers, lithium and Elavil (amitriptyline), may be damaging to the kidneys.
Several psychiatric drugs have the potential to break down muscles, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream.
According to Ngo-Hamilton, kidney disease results from the kidneys’ activity filtering myoglobin.
How much of these drugs is excessive?
It is challenging to determine how much medication is too much or what a “hard stop” is before some medications can injure your kidneys, according to Ngo-Hamilton.
She said, “Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer to that.”
In general, she continued, OTC products may harm kidney health if taken more than the recommended dose or over an extended length of time.
She stated that the kidneys can be harmed by taking more prescription medication than your doctor advised or by utilising leftover antibiotics, antivirals, or painkillers.
Who is most at risk of medication-induced kidney damage?
Drug-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) is more likely to occur in some people than in others.
According to Ngo-Hamilton, risk factors include:
Being over 60 years old
Having underlying renal insufficiency brought on by conditions such as lupus nephritis, excessive blood pressure, or diabetes
Living with illnesses including intravascular volume depletion (visible in vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding), diabetes, and cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, liver failure, electrolyte imbalances, and sepsis
If you are at high risk, speak with your doctor about having your baseline renal function evaluated before beginning any medicine.
Find out if your present medications put you at a higher risk for kidney injury by asking questions regarding nephrotoxic drug combinations (using more than one prescription that can cause renal injury), advised Ngo-Hamilton.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute renal injury are two kinds of kidney disease that can be made worse by drug-induced nephrotoxicity (AKI).
As time passes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) gradually worsens. According to Ngo-Hamilton, CKD can also be brought on by a chronic illness like diabetes or high blood pressure in addition to specific drugs.
The majority of CKD patients don’t exhibit any symptoms in the early stages, which is why the condition is referred to as ‘a silent killer. She noted that a straightforward blood and urine test is used to diagnose CKD, and the ailment is often detected during routine testing for unrelated issues.
