All medicines are different, and they each work to solve a specific problem in the body. Whether you need medication for pain relief, to alleviate symptoms, to regulate yourself, or to recover from an illness, you should always be aware of what makes up the medicine you are taking. If you have been prescribed several different treatments, your kidney specialist in LA wants you to note the medication that is bad for your kidneys so you don’t exacerbate your health issues.
How Drugs Affect Your Kidneys
Medications that are bad for your kidneys are known as nephrotoxic medicines. Depending on the type of drug you are taking, your kidney can be harmed in many different ways. Some medicines will reduce your kidney’s ability to function, while others will cause your kidneys to work too hard and become overloaded.
Your doctor may prescribe you a medication that is potentially dangerous for your kidneys. Make sure to listen to care instructions and use caution while taking these kinds of medications. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of drugs that are harmful to your kidneys when taken in excess.
Medication that Is Bad for Your Kidneys
All medications are designed to help heal the body, prevent symptoms, and keep your systems in good working order. Some medicines can prove too much for the kidneys, which are the organs responsible for filtering out toxins. Make sure you speak with your doctor before taking any of the following:
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are usually used in response to high blood pressure and various heart problems. Like many medications, ACE inhibitors are medications processed by the kidneys, which means that too much at once could cause your kidneys to fail. It is important that you are hydrated and well-fed when taking an ACE inhibitor to reduce the risk of kidney damage.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are popular anti-inflammatory drugs that can be prescribed by your doctor or purchased over the counter. Ibuprofen and Aleve are some popular types of NSAIDs that typically aid in pain relief. While this kind of drug may be prescribed for a wide variety of reasons, it cannot be taken too consistently, or else your kidneys could go into overdrive and get damaged.
Diuretics
Another effective solution for high blood pressure and glaucoma is the diuretic, also known as a water pill. This medication can be used as a very effective treatment for kidney damage, but too much can cause a reverse effect. The pills are meant to rid your body of water and salt and can be helpful when your kidneys are holding too much sodium. It is important to take them in moderation, though!
Antiviral Drugs
There are many kinds of antiviral drugs that reduce certain viral illnesses and infections. Viread and Foscarnet are two examples of popular antiviral medications prescribed by doctors or administered in a hospital. These medicines are powerful but can contribute to renal failure if taken in excess. This type of medication should only be taken when it can be monitored and regulated by your doctor.
Encourage Healthy Kidneys Today
Unfortunately, many drugs and medications can do some serious damage to the kidneys. If you have already suffered renal damage, it is important that you get in touch with your kidney specialist for the right treatment. It is possible to reduce kidney damage and restore functionality to your organs through dialysis. Patients who are faced with kidney failure should reach out to our kidney dialysis specialist at the office of Dr. Gura right away. This life-saving treatment can help you fight the adverse effects of bad medication and get your body back into shape. Call us today for a personal consultation!