Whenever I get sick my mother used to scolds me for not eating plenty of fruits as wells for not drinking enough milk. But my mother is not the only one scolding me for the same, agree? The reason she uses to convince me was medications may damage your kidneys.

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Well, mothers are always right. Regardless of whatever the type of medicine is, they will travel through your kidneys. Where overdose and wrong way of consumption of medications may damage your kidneys. Your bean-shaped organs are even at risk of a kidney transplant in the worst-case scenario.

Besides, considering today’s situation there are higher cases of diabetes and cardiovascular disease that involve multiple medications that further may cause potential harm to the kidney function. About the same, medications account for 1/5 cases of acute kidney failure.

Symptoms that your kidney might have toxins

The function of the kidney is to get rid of the unwanted fluid and waste from the body. Filtering the blood to produce urine, keeping the electrolyte levels balanced, strengthening the bones, and producing the red blood cells. Interference with the kidney can disrupt kidney functioning or even can lead to the stoppage. Medications may damage your kidneys if not taken in the right manner.

Symptoms of kidney having toxin vary from person to person. Yet possible signs might include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Decreased urination
• Legs, feet or ankles swelling (caused due to fluid retention)
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest

These 6 medications may damage your kidneys

Some medications may disturb the kidney function and keep them from working the way they should. These 6 medications may damage your kidneys.

1. NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the class of medicines that reduces pain, lower fever, prevent clots in the blood and higher doses can reduce inflammation. Whether they are OTC or prescription medicines, avoid the usage for a long time as they increase the risk of chronic kidney failure.

2. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can harm kidneys in various ways. Some people may have allergic reactions to antibiotics that may cause kidney damage. Further medications may damage your kidneys as some of them can form into crystals that fail to break down. Hence can block your urine flow.

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3. Antiviral Medication

These Medications can cause inflammation in several parts of the kidney. The medications which are used for herpes, chickenpox, and shingles, especially herpes medications may cause swelling and inflammation. Also, they can produce pesky crystals that won’t dissolve.

4. Anti-rejection medications

Anit-rejection medication may constrict the blood vessels near the kidney and further lead to reduced functioning of the kidney or blood flow.

5. HIV Medicines

Medication used for HIV can cause renal tubular cell toxicity. Some HIV medications can cause kidney stones. Where some can build-up lactic acid in the blood, hence causing kidney failure and other serious problems.

6. Diuretics

Diuretics also know as water pills are used to treat high blood pressure and swelling. They flush out the unwanted fluid from the body. But sometimes they may dehydrate the body which is not good for the kidney.

Prevent first

“Prevention is better than cure” this will always be a meaningful statement. Here are some tips that can help you in preventing and reducing the risk of  kidney damage:

• Before taking an OTC medicine, carefully get a thorough understanding of the labels and consume them as directed.

• Avoid taking medicines like NSAIDs even OTC and herbs for a longer period, if necessary, should be taken under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

• Taking medicine more often than needed can lead to kidney toxicity.

• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. Avoid dehydration as it is a leading cause of kidney failure. Dehydration can cause the medications that may damage your kidneys to stay in the system for longer.

• Know that there is a harmful effect of taking medicine with alcohol.

Conclusion:

Finally and above all, if your kidneys are already problematic certain medications may damage your kidneys or may worsen the situation. Talk to your doctor before you take medications for cholesterol, diabetes or upset stomach.

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