5 Everyday Medications That May Damage Kidney Function

All About Kidney Kidneys are an important organ of your urinary system that work very hard to filter your blood. Experts say that kidneys that resemble two-shaped bean filters about 200 quarts of fluid each day, which is enough to fill a large bathtub. Without a properly functioning of kidney, it will be impossible to control pH balance, control blood pressure, make glucose, and more. However, what is more concerning is that a study published by The Lancet revealed that about 138 million Indians are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).What Is CKD? The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, CKD is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste remain in the body and may cause health problems such as heart disease. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) study between 2018 to 2023 cases of CKD increased up to 16.4 per cent from 11.2 per cent. And part of the problem is drug-induced damage. There are certain medicines which are meant to help us come backfire by harming our kidneys. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor what you are consuming. Check out these five medicines that are potentially known to harm the kidneys function:Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) According to NIH, painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and other drugs are widely used to ease pain. However, these drugs can block the production of molecules, prostaglandin, that help dilate blood vessels in the kidney. And without enough prostaglandin, the flow of blood in the kidneys may drop, leading to acute kidney injury. Experts suggest that long-term use of NSAIDs. The NIH explains, “If you’re dehydrated, NSAIDs can also keep your kidneys from protecting themselves. As a result, taking NSAIDs when you’re sick and dehydrated can cause kidney injury.”Aminoglycoside Antibiotics Aminoglycoside is a class of antibiotics like gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin to prevent serious bacterial infections. According to experts these drugs accumulate in the tubule cells of the kidney which in the long run can generate free radical damaging the premature cells resulting in necrosis.Vancomycin Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat resistant bacterial infections. Researches show that although this medication is harmless, it has been linked to a risk for your kidneys. This medication is suspected to increase kidney toxicity especially when used at high doses or combined with medications like aminoglycosides.Radiocontrast Agents Contrast dyes which are typically used in CT scans or angiography can sometimes spark contrast-induced nephropathy. This agent is special risky because it can reduce kidney blood flow, generate oxidative stress and cause tubular toxicity. Someone who has been diagnosed with impaired kidney function must be very careful with radiocontrast agents.ACE Inhibitors Or ARBs Medications like lisinopril or losartan are known as life-saving drugs for heart failure, hypertension, and kidney disease. However, in certain cases, they may worsen the condition of kidney function. This medication is known to dilate the parts of kidneys' blood filter which lowers glomerular pressure. Experts say that in most cases it is beneficial, but when combined with NSAIDS, dehydration, or a sudden drop in blood volume it can contribute to acute kidney injury.