Your risk for kidney damage depends on your health conditions and the medication you are taking
Kidneys—the two bean-shaped organs that filter your blooare an important part of your urinary system. Apart from discarding waste and extra fluids from the blood, they keep your body working at all times. However, they are also a sensitive organ, which can become weak, leading to life-threatening and fatal conditions. While many factors are responsible for the damage, certain medications can lead to kidney failure.
A few medicines, known as nephrotoxics, only slightly worsen kidney function, while others could cause more serious injury. Your risk for kidney damage depends on your health conditions and the medication you are taking.
Medication that can be harmful to your kidneys
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are extremely popular drugs that remedy pain, inflammation, and fever. A few common over-the-counter ones include ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, and diclofenac.
According to experts, while NSAIDs are generally well-tolerated, taking them does pose a lot of health risks. Doctors say they can lead to a reduction in blood flow through the kidneys, contributing to kidney damage or failure in the long run. Also, those with heart failure, liver disease, or existing kidney problems are at a higher risk of experiencing new or worsening kidney problems from NSAIDs.
Doctors advise taking NSAIDs sparingly—in their lowest effective dose and for the shortest period possible.
Diuretics
Also known as water pills, diuretics are known to improve blood pressure levels and lower the symptoms of heart failure. Popular diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix, Aldactone, and triamterene are usually well-tolerated, but, as with all medications, they can cause various side effects.
Doctors say a potential side effect includes acute kidney injury, especially in older adults. It mostly happens because diuretics lower blood volume, disrupting the filtration process.
However, in recommended doses, they are not always bad for your kidneys.
Antiviral medications
A few antiviral medications, like acyclovir and ganciclovir, can lead to kidney injury if used frequently and in high doses. Doctors say these medications produce crystals that do not dissolve in urine, leading to blockages in the kidney’s filtration system. This side effect is more likely to affect those who get dehydrated easily or have existing kidney disease.
According to experts, you must closely track your kidney function whenever you take antivirals.
Laxatives
A few laxatives, especially those containing oral sodium phosphate used before colonoscopy, can be extremely harmful to your kidneys by leading to phosphate crystal deposits. These deposits block the functioning of your kidneys, causing acute injury and loss of kidney function.
These laxatives should be used cautiously, especially in people with kidney problems.
What should you do to reduce kidney damage?
To reduce kidney injury and long-term damage, experts recommend focusing on managing underlying conditions and making a few lifestyle changes, which include taking care of your diet and regularly getting health checkups done.
A few key aspects include controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, reducing salt intake, and avoiding certain painkillers. Your doctor would also suggest limiting protein intake to protect your kidneys, apart from stopping the consumption of alcohol, as it raises blood pressure and cholesterol. Smoking is another major risk factor and should be completely avoided.
