Generally, the renal failure with NSAIDs is acute and reversible, though analgesic nephropathy with papillary necrosis and chronic renal failure are reported.
After cessation of NSAID treatment and rehydration, all patients recovered completely with a normalised creatinine level after 3 to 9 days. Once the acute phase is controlled, long-term outcome is excellent.
Acute kidney injury can happen with any NSAID, including ibuprofen. The risk for kidney damage is higher for adults over 60 and people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). This serious side effect is seen most often within the first month of starting a regular NSAID regimen.
Long-term NSAID use can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients without renal diseases, young and without comorbidities, NSAIDs are not greatly harmful. However, because of its dose-dependent effect, caution should be exercised in chronic use, since it increases the risk of developing nephrotoxicity.
Treatment. Renal function will recover in most patients after withdrawal of NSAID therapy. Steroids may aid recovery in patients with interstitial nephritis who do not improve after stopping NSAID therapy.
NSAID-induced injury of gastric epithelial cells is reversible: roles of mitochondria, AMP kinase, NGF, and PGE.
Ibuprofen constricts blood vessels to reduce pain and inflammation, but this also decreases renal blood flow. This reduction in blood flow can reduce your kidney function, and improper use of medication such as ibuprofen may impair the kidneys.
Don't take more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen in one day. For OTC ibuprofen, this equates to a maximum of 6 pills per day. Additionally, avoid taking ibuprofen for longer than 10 days, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed. But if doctors find CKD early, there are ways you can keep the damage from getting worse, such as following a kidney-friendly eating plan, being active and taking certain medicines.
Over-the-counter Tylenol (generic acetaminophen) is often the best choice for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems.
The good news is that acute kidney failure can often be reversed. The kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated. Dialysis is needed until then.
While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. You'll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Exercise may help kidney health
Being active and having a healthy body weight is also important to kidney health. Some studies show kidney function improves with exercise. Talk with your healthcare professional or dietitian if you need to lose weight.
Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others) can damage your liver, especially if taken frequently or combined with alcohol.
Taking high doses of ibuprofen over long periods of time can increase your risk of: stroke – when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed. heart attacks – when the blood supply to the heart is blocked.
Naproxen. Another anti-inflammatory drug, which works much like ibuprofen. Some studies show this may be a better choice than ibuprofen for people at risk for heart disease.
Aim for 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. Don't expect drinking a large amount of water at one time to be an effective way to remove drugs from your system. Staying hydrated requires frequency, not just volume. In addition to water, herbal teas and juice may help your body flush out toxins.
Aspirin has an irreversible anti-platelet effect, while other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, have a reversible anti-platelet effect.
As their effect is temporary and reversible, only continuous high dosage of nonselective NSAIDs will considerably inhibit COX-1 and COX-2.