The Impact of Medications on Kidney Health

Introduction:

Kidneys help retain the appropriate quantity of fluid in the body and eliminate waste from the body. They also contribute to the production of red blood cells and release hormones that regulate blood pressure. They even produce a bone-healthy type of vitamin D. Certain drugs can hinder kidneys' ability to accomplish those tasks and prevent them from functioning as they should.

Which Medications May Harm the Patient's Kidneys?

Everyday drugs hidden in the cabinet may be hurting the kidneys. These include popular prescriptions such as antibiotics, blood pressure meds, and certain vitamins. Some people are more vulnerable to kidney injury from household drugs, especially those over the age of 60 or those suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and lupus nephritis. While many prescription and over-the-counter drugs might cause kidney damage, here are a few typical ones to keep in mind.

• Antibiotics: These medications have varying effects on the kidneys. Some, for instance, can form unbreakable crystals that can obstruct the passage of urine. Some contain compounds that, when attempted to be filtered out by the kidneys, can cause damage to specific cells. Antibiotic allergy reactions can harm a person's kidneys in some cases. If patients use antibiotics for an extended period or at a very high dose, these side effects are more likely to occur.

• Diuretics: These drugs, commonly referred to as water pills, are prescribed by doctors to treat various forms of edema and high blood pressure. They facilitate the body's removal of surplus fluid. However, they can occasionally cause dehydration, which can harm the kidneys.

• NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Whether prescribed by a doctor or available over-the-counter (such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen should not be prescribed frequently or in large amounts. Up to five percent of cases of chronic renal failure are brought on by the overuse of painkillers each year.

• Ppis, or Proton Pump Inhibitors: The following drugs treat acid reflux, ulcers, and heartburn: Nexium, Acetec, Prilosec, and Prevacid. They reduce stomach acid production, but research indicates that long-term use of them may increase the risk of severe kidney problems, including renal failure.

• H2 Blockers: H2 blockers, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac, are less likely to cause these problems when used as heartburn medications. If a patient takes a PPI regularly, see a doctor to see if there is a better medication to switch to.

• Supplements: Wormwood oil might not be beneficial for kidneys. Tell the doctor about any supplements one takes to ensure they are useful and not harmful.

• Laxatives: Prescription or over-the-counter medications may leave crystals in kidneys that could harm or fail them. This is particularly valid for those that include oral sodium phosphate, or OSP.

What Certain Medications Can Be Dangerous if One Has Kidney Disease?

Certain medications have the potential to exacerbate pre-existing kidney disease or cause renal failure. See a doctor before taking any medicines for diabetes or cholesterol, antacids for upset stomachs, or antibiotics, such as antiviral and antifungal medications. In some circumstances, you can take a safer, lower dose.

How Does One Need to Proceed?

• Take no medication, drug, or substance unless supervised by a healthcare professional.

• Never take medication or other narcotics that someone, even a friend, gives.

• Do not hesitate to contact a healthcare practitioner if a patient feels unwell after taking medication or using any other substance.

• Inform healthcare practitioners if patients have renal disease or are at risk for developing it if patients require an imaging test or colonoscopy.

What Are Some Legal and Illegal Medications That Can Harm Kidneys?

Below are the top ten drugs that, if taken improperly, have been shown to damage the kidneys.

• NSAIDs, or Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: NSAIDs, such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen, prevent prostaglandin synthesis, lowering inflammation, discomfort, and fever.

• Glycosides Amino: Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as Gentamicin, treat bacteremia and severe abdomen and urinary tract infections. The kidneys remove these medications from the body.

• Drugs Based on Platinum: Compounds containing platinum, like Cisplatin, disrupt the DNA replication mechanism of cancer cells, stopping them from increasing and dividing.

• Stabilizers of Mood: The main purpose of mood stabilizers, such as lithium, is to treat bipolar disorder. Long-term usage, nevertheless, may impede the kidneys' capacity to remove waste from the blood.

• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) is usually used to alleviate mild-to-moderate pain and lower fever.

• Fluoroquinolones: Although some medications (like Ciprofloxacin) are considered generally safe and effective, they may damage the kidneys in rare instances.

• Iron-Based Supplements: When taken as prescribed, they are usually safe and are frequently used to treat iron deficiency anemia. However, if misused, they can result in iron overload, which can deposit iron in the kidneys and induce iron toxicity and renal failure if treatment is not received.

• Supplements with Herbs: Besides their possible health benefits, herbs like licorice root used in teas and candies can damage the kidneys if misused.

• Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: These medications, which include Penicillin, are used to treat bacterial infections, but in some circumstances, they can harm the kidneys. Penicillin allergies, for instance, can result in interstitial nephritis.

• A Kind of Kidney Inflammation: Long-term laxative usage can induce electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, which can strain the kidneys and eventually cause damage.

What Are Some Illegal Drugs That Can Harm Kidneys?

• Illicit opioids.

• Stimulants.

• Amphetamines.

• NMDA receptor inhibitors.

• Hallucinations.

• Designer drugs.

• Synthetic.

• Decongestants.

How to Avoid Damage to Kidneys?

To prevent kidney damage, it is crucial to abstain from drug misuse and take medications exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated to support healthy kidney function is also critical. Individuals who already have renal issues or other medical illnesses should have their conditions managed by a healthcare provider to stop further kidney damage.

Conclusion:

Before starting a nephrotoxic medicine, baseline renal function should be assessed when a new prescription is prescribed. Careful observation of renal function is also necessary throughout the treatment. If one takes a lot of over-the-counter drugs like Aspirin, Naproxen, and Ibuprofen, the kidneys may suffer harm. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any of these medications regularly or daily.