Drugs that can damage or "shut down" kidneys (nephrotoxins) include common ones like NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics), chemotherapy drugs, and contrast dyes, alongside illicit substances like methamphetamine and cocaine, with risk increasing if you have pre-existing kidney issues, as these drugs can cause acute failure or chronic damage.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), contrast agents, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are the most common cause of AKI in hospitalized patients (2). The risk of contrast-induced nephropathy is highest in diabetics and chronic kidney disease diabetes (9).
Top 10 Drugs That Cause Kidney Damage
What are the most common causes of kidney failure? Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Consistently high blood sugar can damage your kidneys as well as other organs.
What are the symptoms of kidney damage due to drugs?
What Chemicals Can Cause Damage to Your Kidneys? Some examples of occupational chemical products that can contribute to kidney damage and failure are benzene, organic solvents such as fuels, paints, and degreasing agents. Agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides can also cause kidney illness.
The two main causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure, which make up about two-thirds of cases. Other diseases can also lead to kidney failure, including IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, Fabry disease, and many others.
Without life-sustaining dialysis or a kidney transplant, once a person with kidney disease reaches stage 5 (end stage renal disease or ESRD), toxins build up in the body and death usually comes within a few weeks.
Two major drug types to avoid or use with extreme caution in kidney disease are Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for reducing blood flow to the kidneys, and certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides (like gentamicin) and some antivirals, which can directly harm kidney tissue. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication, as many over-the-counter products and prescriptions can negatively impact kidney function.
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.
Three key early warning signs of kidney problems are changes in urination (more or less frequent, especially at night), foamy or bloody urine, and persistent swelling, particularly around the eyes, feet, or ankles, indicating fluid retention. Other common signs include persistent fatigue, nausea, itching, and loss of appetite, as toxins build up when kidneys aren't filtering effectively.
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.
Abstract. The nephrotoxic effects of cyclosporine, aminoglycoside antibiotics, cisplatin, amphotericin B, beta-lactam antibiotics and indomethacin are reviewed. These drugs were chosen because they are among the most frequent causes of renal injury in children.
Morphine, heroin, cocaine, nicotine and alcohol are the most commonly abused drugs, and their use is associated with various types of renal toxicity. The renal complications include a wide range of glomerular, interstitial and vascular diseases leading to acute or chronic renal failure.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a term used to describe when your kidneys are suddenly not able to filter waste products from the blood. This can happen within a few hours or a few days. For most people, AKI develops within 48 hours, but sometimes it can take as long as 7 days.
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.
The top 10 drugs commonly linked to kidney damage
Extreme, on-going tiredness, together with a lack of energy, is often called fatigue. There are lots of reasons why you may experience fatigue with CKD. If your kidneys are not working well, toxins (waste products) build up in your blood and this can make you feel tired and weak.
In the last weeks and days of kidney failure, signs that death is near include:
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors like severe dehydration, infections, or blockages. The good news is that with the right treatment, it's often possible to reverse kidney disease in these cases. Your kidneys can return to normal function after the underlying issue is resolved.
Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. When your kidneys lose their filtering abilities, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body. With end-stage renal disease, you need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
Symptoms can include:
The most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults are diabetes and high blood pressure.
Carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Cola beverages, in particular, contain phosphoric acid and have been associated with urinary changes that promote kidney stones.