Klin Farmakol Farm. 2012;26(4):166-170

Drug-induced renal injury with regard to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Zoltán Varga, Milan Kriška, Veronika Slezáková

Ústav farmakológie a klinickej farmakológie, Lekárska fakulta Univerzity Komenského v Bratislave

Drug-induced renal injury represents a frequently discussed, yet, in clinical medicine, often underestimated problem. Physicians of various

specializations encounter adverse drug reactions affecting the kidneys. The importance of the issue is underlined by the high number of

drugs with nephrotoxic potential. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the most prescribed drug groups worldwide, with

numerous preparations being available over the counter. Active substances belonging to this group have non-negligible potential to cause

drug-induced renal injury. The risk is accentuated in the case of concomitant use of other drugs capable of inducing a worsening of kidney

function. The presence of dehydration and diseases affecting the kidneys further increase the likelihood of drug-induced damage. Adequate

awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of this risk and the possible ways of its reduction is assumed to have considerable

potential to reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions. The present paper aims to highlight the risk of drug-induced renal injury during

pharmacotherapy with an emphasis on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The purpose is to raise the awareness of the importance

of taking into account the renal risk when prescribing a drug and educating patients while handing them an over-the-counter medication.

Keywords: drug-induced renal injury, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, adverse effect, kidney failure, nephrotoxicity

Published: December 1, 2012  Show citation