Many common medications can damage kidneys, especially with high doses or long-term use, including NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides, vancomycin), ACE inhibitors/ARBs, diuretics, proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole), lithium, some antivirals, and contrast dyes used in imaging. Illicit drugs, alcohol, and even some herbal supplements can also be harmful, so it's crucial to discuss all medications with a doctor, notes WebMD.
The top 10 drugs commonly linked to kidney damage
Top 10 Drugs That Cause Kidney Damage
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Spironolactone reduces kidney function by an acute effect, whereafter it remains stable. Spironolactone does not affect the progression of interstitial fibrosis in protocol biopsies.
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
Serious side effects
you get a slow or irregular heartbeat, tingling feeling, muscle weakness or shortness of breath – these can be signs of potassium levels being too high. you're peeing less that usual or have dark, strong smelling pee, feel thirsty or feel dizzy or light-headed – these can be signs of dehydration.
Early Signs of Kidney Disease
8 Surprising Ways You May Be Hurting Your Kidneys
Diabetes is the leading risk factor for kidney disease and the most common cause of kidney failure. High blood sugar from diabetes damages your kidneys and lowers their ability to filter waste and fluid from your blood. Over time, this causes kidney disease.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are all drugs that can cause kidney damage. Certain medications administered in hospital settings, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and vancomycin, can also damage the kidneys.
The main test for kidney disease is a blood test. The test measures the levels of a waste product called creatinine in your blood. A doctor uses your blood test results, plus your age, size, and gender to calculate how many millilitres of waste your kidneys should be able to filter in a minute.
What are the symptoms of kidney damage due to drugs?
Read more about medicine to help prevent and manage CKD and health problems related to CKD:
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and aspirin reduce pain and inflammation. These can harm the kidneys in high doses or with long-term use. People with low kidney function, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid NSAIDs unless advised by a doctor. Learn more about analgesics.
Healthy diet
Dehydration reduces blood flow to your kidneys and can actually significantly damage them. Smoking is a bad habit that we know you can quit. Your body will thank you week after week, and you will keep it away from many dangers. Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your kidneys.
Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes, and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure, may have chronic kidney disease. While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down.
To support kidney health, focus on fruits like berries, apples, and red grapes; vegetables such as cauliflower, red peppers, and leafy greens; lean proteins like fish (salmon) and egg whites; and healthy fats from olive oil, using herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor, as a varied diet rich in whole foods helps filter toxins and manage inflammation.
Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.
Water is the best beverage for supporting kidney health. It helps flush out toxins, maintains electrolyte balance, and prevents dehydration. Drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water daily is essential for anyone in recovery, especially those enrolled in an Alcohol Treatment Program or Drug Rehab Programs.
While kidney damage can't be repaired, if found early, there are ways you can keep it from getting worse, such as following a kidney-friendly eating plan, being active, and taking certain medicines. In the U.S., more than 35 million people have CKD. That is 1 in 7 adults.
Among 2.3 million women (28.5 million person-years), risks of breast, uterus, ovary, and cervix cancers were generally increased about 10–30% in both spironolactone and furosemide users. In the first year of drug exposure, incidences were increased, especially for ovary cancers.
Spironolactone (spir on oh lak' tone) is a competitive inhibitor of the mineralocorticoid receptor in the late distal tubule and collecting duct of the kidneys, which causes a decrease in sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the distal tubule.