Medicines That Can Cause Acute Kidney Injury

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Overview

Many medicines can cause acute kidney injury (acute renal failure), such as:

  • Antibiotics. These include aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, amphotericin B, bacitracin, and vancomycin.
  • Some blood pressure medicines. One example is ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril and ramipril. Another is angiotensin receptor blockers. These include candesartan and valsartan.
  • Medicines used for cancer treatment (chemotherapy). Examples are cisplatin, carboplatin, and methotrexate.
  • Dyes (contrast media). These are used in medical imaging tests.
  • Illegal drugs. Examples are heroin and methamphetamine.
  • Medicines used to treat HIV. They are called protease inhibitors. Examples are indinavir and ritonavir.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.
  • Ulcer medicines. One example is cimetidine.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Make sure every doctor you see knows about all of the medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take. This means anything you take with or without a prescription.

Other chemicals can also cause acute kidney injury. They include insecticides, herbicides, and ethylene glycol.

Credits

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 11, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.