Think of our body as a big factory. The kidneys are the main workers in this factory that remove the waste and waste products that accumulate throughout the day. Not only that, but the kidneys also perform many important tasks silently, such as maintaining the right amount of water in the body, producing hormones that control blood pressure, helping to make red blood cells, and making vitamin D that is good for bones. But sometimes, some medications that we use without knowing can interfere with this valuable process in the kidneys. Today, let's talk about it.
What medications can affect the kidneys?
Let's look at some of the main medications we encounter in everyday life that may affect the kidneys.
Antibiotics
We all take antibiotics for fever, wound healing, or other infections. They are usually safe. However, some antibiotics, especially when taken
in high doses or for long periods of time, can have an effect on the kidneys. Simply put, some medications can form insoluble crystals as they pass through the kidneys, blocking the flow of urine. Other medications can directly damage kidney cells. Also, some people have allergic reactions to certain antibiotics, which can also affect the kidneys. Therefore, it is very important to take antibiotics
only for the prescribed period, as prescribed by a doctor .
Diuretics (or "water pills")
We usually call these 'water pills'. Doctors use these medications to treat high blood pressure and swelling in various parts of the body. They work by removing excess fluid from the body through urine. However, when using these, sometimes the body can become dehydrated, meaning there is not enough water in the body. This is not good for the health of the kidneys. Therefore, if you are using these medications, it is essential
to drink enough water and follow your doctor's instructions .
This is a place where many people need to be concerned. The painkillers that we buy from the pharmacy without a prescription for headaches, back pain, and knee pain belong to this category. For example, medicines like `Aspirin`, `
Ibuprofen` , `Naproxen`, `Diclofenac`. In medical terms, we call these `Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs` or `(NSAIDs)`.
Although taking these medications in short-term, low doses is usually not a problem, using them continuously and in high doses without any medical advice can directly damage the kidneys .
Studies show that about 5% of patients worldwide who experience complete kidney failure are caused by the long-term misuse of such painkillers.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) - Gastritis Medication
Gastritis, heartburn, and stomach ulcers are common problems for many people today. The drugs used to treat these conditions are called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole), which reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Although these drugs are very effective, recent studies have shown that
long-term use of these drugs can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure. If you are taking medication for gastritis for a long time,
it is important to talk to your doctor about this and discuss whether you need to continue taking these medications or whether you can switch to a safer alternative (such as H2 blockers).
| Drug Class | Common Use | Potential Kidney Effect |
|---|
| Antibiotics | For bacterial infections | Urinary tract obstruction, damage to kidney cells, allergies. |
| Diuretics | High blood pressure, body swelling | Kidney damage through dehydration. |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Pain, fever, swelling | Risk of kidney failure with long-term misuse. |
| Gastritis medications (PPIs) | Gastritis, chest inflammation | Risk of kidney disease with long-term use. |
If you already have kidney disease...
If your kidneys are already somewhat weakened, that is, if you have
already been diagnosed with kidney disease , you need to be even more careful. Because some medications that are not a problem for the average person can be harmful to your kidneys. For example, some medications for cholesterol, some medications for diabetes, antacids for stomach upset, antifungal and antiviral medications,
you should definitely talk to your doctor before using them. Your doctor may decide to reduce the dose of the medication or switch you to a safer medication. The same applies to some scans. When you have an MRI or CT scan, sometimes a special liquid (contrast dye) is injected to see the inside of the body clearly. Although very rare, this liquid can damage the kidneys. We call these conditions `(Contrast-Induced Nephropathy - CIN)` and `(Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis - NSF)`. Therefore,
when referring for a scan, never forget to tell the doctor that you have kidney disease .
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine prescribed by a doctor only in the prescribed dose and for the prescribed period of time. Avoid changing the dose or stopping the medicine on your own.
- Do not use over-the-counter pain relievers ( NSAIDs ) for a long period of time without consulting a doctor.
- If you have been using the same medication for gastritis (especially PPIs ) for a long time, talk to your doctor about it and ask if it is still necessary.
- Every time you see your doctor, inform him about all the medications, vitamins , and herbal supplements you are currently taking.
- If you have a pre-existing kidney disease, remind your doctor about it before starting any new medication or undergoing a scan .
Kidney, kidney, medications, NSAIDs, PPIs, kidney disease, painkillers
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