Do not stop a prescribed medication without talking to your healthcare professional.
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Examples include:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
These pain relievers can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, particularly if you:
- Have chronic kidney disease
- Are dehydrated
- Have heart failure
- Take certain blood pressure medicines
Occasional use may be appropriate for many people, but regular or long-term use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
2. Some Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics, particularly at high doses or in people with reduced kidney function, may affect the kidneys.
Healthcare professionals often adjust the dose if kidney function is reduced.
3. Some Acid-Reducing Medicines
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Omeprazole, have been linked in rare cases to kidney inflammation. They are generally safe when used appropriately, but long-term use should be reviewed periodically.
4. Certain Diuretics (“Water Tablets”)
Diuretics help remove excess fluid and are important treatments for many conditions. However, they can contribute to dehydration or changes in mineral levels, which may affect kidney function if not monitored.
5. Some Blood Pressure Medicines
Medicines such as Lisinopril or Losartan can cause a small, expected change in kidney function when started.
Despite this, they often protect the kidneys over the long term, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Doctors may check kidney function and potassium levels after starting or increasing the dose.
6. Lithium
Lithium is an effective treatment for some mental health conditions, but long-term use requires regular blood tests because it can affect kidney function.
7. Some Chemotherapy Medicines
Certain cancer treatments can affect the kidneys. Oncology teams monitor kidney function closely and may adjust treatment or provide extra fluids to reduce the risk.
8. Some Herbal Supplements
Not all “natural” products are harmless. Some herbal remedies have been linked to kidney injury or may interact with prescription medicines.
Always tell your healthcare professional about any supplements you take.
Ways to Help Protect Your Kidneys
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Stay well hydrated unless you’ve been told to limit fluids.
- Avoid taking NSAIDs regularly without medical advice, especially if you have kidney disease.
- Have recommended blood tests if you’re taking medicines that require monitoring.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Seek Medical Advice Promptly If You Develop
- A major decrease in urination
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or face
- Blood in the urine
- Severe side or back pain
- Persistent nausea or vomiting with signs of dehydration
Bottom line: Many medicines can affect the kidneys under certain circumstances, but that does not mean they should be avoided by everyone. For many people, the benefits outweigh the risks when the medicines are used correctly and kidney function is monitored when appropriate.
