JAKARTA — Kidneys are organs in the body located in the lower back area. Maintaining kidney health is very important. Because, if the kidneys are damaged, various health problems can arise, such as the buildup of waste and toxins, anemia, and electrolyte disturbances.
Kidney damage is caused by various things, including taking certain drugs continuously for a long time.
So what about people who have certain diseases and have to take medication constantly? People with diabetes and hypertension, for example. To control the disease, they have to take medication regularly for a long period of time. Otherwise, blood pressure and blood sugar will not be controlled.
Especially in the two conditions above, taking medication does not always trigger kidney damage. Some experts say that the use of drugs to treat diabetes and hypertension can prevent more serious complications related to kidney health.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) and ARBs (losartan) are two types of treatment for high blood pressure that can slow the loss of kidney function in people with hypertension.
As quoted from Sindonews.com which launched Everyday Health, in general, people with diabetes and hypertension need not be afraid to take medication in the long term as long as it is in accordance with the recommendations given by the doctor.
So what types of drugs can harm kidney function if taken for a long time?
1. Pain Reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are useful for reducing pain, fever, and inflammation. Types of NSAID drugs are usually sold over the counter in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
It turns out that taking NSAID drugs in excess of doses or in the long term, because this can trigger chronic kidney disease known as interstitial nephritis. The label on this medicine generally does not allow you to take more than 6-8 tablets per day or use it long-term for more than 10 days.
2. Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics in the long term can not only trigger antibiotic resistance, it can also injure your kidneys even if you had healthy kidneys before.
There are several types of antibiotics, namely penicillins, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides, which if taken continuously can damage the kidneys, in particular can be harmful to kidney health.
For this reason, it is important to follow the doctor’s advice every time you receive a prescription for antibiotics.
3. Ulcer and Stomach Acid Medicine
Patients with ulcers and stomach acid also need to be careful when taking drugs in the long term. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, belong to a class of drugs that act on gastric cells and effectively reduce stomach acid production.
However, long-term use of PPI drugs can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Over-the-counter antacids can also disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance if you have chronic kidney disease.
4. Herbal Medicines and Supplements
Many people think that herbal medicines are safe for health. In fact, many take this drug regularly for a long period of time for the sake of health.
However, it turns out that when consumed in the long term, herbal medicines can be at risk of damaging the kidneys. Some nutritional supplements have also been shown to decrease kidney function when taken for a long time, even in people with healthy kidneys.
Even so, taking medical drugs is generally safe for kidney health as long as you follow the dosage and recommended usage. If you suffer from chronic disease or symptoms of kidney disease, it is better to consult a doctor to get the right medication.
5. Antiviral Drugs and Chemotherapy
Several other types of drugs can also cause kidney disease, such as antiviral drugs, antifungal drugs, and chemotherapy.***
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