8 Pills You Should Be Careful With: Medicines That May Harm Your Kidneys

Your kidneys work around the clock to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. Some medicines can put extra stress on the kidneys, especially when taken too often, at high doses, or when you are dehydrated.

Here are 8 types of medicines that deserve extra caution:

1. NSAID painkillers — such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Frequent or high-dose use can reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
2. Certain antibiotics — some antibiotics can affect kidney function, particularly in people who already have kidney problems.
3. Some antiviral medicines — certain drugs in this group can cause kidney-related side effects.
4. Diuretics (“water pills”) — they can contribute to dehydration or electrolyte changes in some situations.
5. ACE inhibitors and ARBs — these medicines are often beneficial for blood pressure and kidney disease, but kidney function and potassium may need monitoring.
6. Certain stomach-acid medicines — long-term use of some medicines has been associated with kidney problems in some people.
7. Some chemotherapy medicines — several can be directly harmful to the kidneys and require close monitoring.
8. Contrast agents used in some medical scans — certain contrast materials can cause acute kidney injury in people at higher risk.

⚠️ Important: This does not mean you should stop prescribed medicines on your own. Many of these medicines are safe and useful when appropriately prescribed. Your risk depends on your dose, other medicines, hydration, and kidney function.

If you have kidney disease, are older, are dehydrated, or take several medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting or regularly using any medication.

Protect your kidneys: use medicines responsibly, avoid unnecessary self-medication, and get medical advice when needed.