If you regularly take medications such as antibiotics or painkillers, it’s important to be aware that some of them can put your kidneys at risk.

Below is a list of drugs known to potentially cause kidney damage if used frequently or without proper medical supervision.

1. Antibiotics – Certain antibiotics, including sulfonamides, methicillin, vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin, are associated with kidney problems.

2. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories – Acetaminophen is a common analgesic, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can also harm kidney function if overused.

3. Antiviral medications – Drugs like acyclovir, used for herpes infections, and indinavir or tenofovir, often prescribed for HIV treatment, may negatively affect the kidneys.

4. Anticonvulsants – Seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and trimethadione have been linked to kidney issues.

5. COX-2 inhibitors – Drugs like valdecoxib, rofecoxib, and celecoxib were designed to be gentler on the stomach than traditional NSAIDs. However, they carry similar kidney risks. (Rofecoxib and valdecoxib were later withdrawn due to cardiovascular side effects.)

6. Chemotherapy and immune-related drugs – Medications such as quinine, interferons, cisplatin, carboplatin, pamidronate, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mitomycin C, and bevacizumab can put strain on the kidneys. Treatments for thyroid problems, like propylthiouracil, may also have an impact.

7. Blood pressure medications – Certain drugs prescribed for hypertension, such as captopril, have been associated with kidney complications.

8. Heartburn medications – Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like pantoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole, though widely used, may pose risks if taken long term.

9. Mood stabilizers – Lithium, a well-known treatment for bipolar disorder, is also linked to kidney damage with prolonged use.

10. Other medications – Infliximab, prescribed for arthritis, as well as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, often used for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can potentially affect kidney health.