Eight pills you shouldn’t take because they damage your kidneys

Some commonly used medicines can harm your kidneys — especially if taken too often, in high doses, while dehydrated, or if you already have kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Here are 8 types of pills/medications that are known to increase the risk of kidney damage:

1. NSAID painkillers
   Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac
   These reduce blood flow to the kidneys and are one of the most common causes of medication-related kidney injury. (Drugs.com)
2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acidity/heartburn
   Examples: omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole
   Long-term use has been linked with chronic kidney disease and kidney inflammation. (Healthline)
3. Certain antibiotics
   Examples: vancomycin, gentamicin, sulfonamides, some penicillins
   Some antibiotics can directly injure kidney tissue or build up in the body if kidney function is reduced. (Drugs.com)
4. Diuretics (“water pills”)
   Examples: furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
   Overuse or dehydration from these medicines can reduce kidney blood flow. (WebMD)
5. ACE inhibitors and ARBs (blood pressure medicines)
   Examples: lisinopril, enalapril, losartan
   These are often beneficial when monitored properly, but can trigger acute kidney injury in dehydration or when combined with NSAIDs. (Healthline)
6. Lithium
   Used for bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions. Long-term use can cause chronic kidney damage. (Verywell Health)
7. Laxatives containing sodium phosphate
   Some bowel-cleansing or constipation products can leave phosphate crystals in the kidneys and cause injury. (Drugs.com)
8. Some supplements and herbal products
   Examples: high-dose vitamin C, excessive vitamin D, aristolochic acid herbs, certain bodybuilding supplements
   “Natural” does not always mean safe for kidneys. (EatingWell)

Signs of possible kidney problems

• Swelling in feet or face
• Reduced urine output
• Foamy urine
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• High blood pressure

Important

Do not stop prescribed medicines suddenly without talking to a doctor. Many of these drugs are safe when used correctly and monitored properly. Risk usually increases with:

• Long-term use
• High doses
• Dehydration
• Mixing multiple kidney-stressing drugs
• Existing kidney disease or diabetes

If you want, I can also give:

• a list of painkillers safest for kidneys
• symptoms of kidney damage
• or foods that protect kidney health.