What are analgesics?
Analgesics help control pain, reduce fever, and can also reduce inflammation. Analgesics are available in over-the-counter form, including aspirin and acetaminophen. There are prescription-strength pain medications available. Analgesics that contain aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen in a single pill have been linked with kidney disease. They are no longer as widely available as they used to be.
Can analgesics hurt kidneys?
Consult your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have kidney disease. Chronic interstitial kidney disease can be caused by heavy or prolonged use of certain medicines such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and high doses of aspirin. You were warning labels on analgesics over-the-counter that you should not use them for longer than a week for pain or more than three days for fever. You should consult your doctor if you experience pain or fever for an extended period. The doctor will check for possible medical issues and advise what medication to take.
NSAIDs and high-dose aspirin are not recommended if you have reduced kidney function.
Analgesics are still recommended even if you have normal kidney function:
- As per the label or instructions
- The lowest possible dose
- The shortest possible time
Is aspirin safe to use regularly?
When taken according to the instructions, aspirin does not appear to increase the risk of kidney disease among people with normal kidney function. Taken in excess, a large dose (usually six to eight tablets per day) can temporarily and even permanently reduce kidney function. Aspirin can increase bleeding in people with kidney disease. People should not take aspirin for kidney disease, liver disease, severe heart failure, or other serious health conditions.
My doctor suggested that I take aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks. Does this affect my kidneys or liver?
No. Aspirin is safe to use in small doses, as recommended by doctors for heart attack prevention. Even if you have reduced kidney function, using a “baby aspirin” (81-162 mg daily) is safe.
What are the safest analgesics for kidney disease patients?
Acetaminophen is preferred for patients with kidney disease who use it occasionally due to possible bleeding complications. Aspirin can cause these complications. But kidney patients who must use acetaminophen regularly should be closely monitored by their doctor and avoid alcohol.
What are NSAIDs? What are they?
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), a group of painkillers, are a particular type. Some NSAIDs can be purchased over the counter. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter.
When taken as prescribed, NSAIDs can be used occasionally without any problems. However, if your kidney function is known to have decreased, you should avoid them. Patients with kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease should use these medications only under the supervision of a physician. They can also be prescribed to people over 65 or those taking diuretic medication. NSAIDs can increase the risk of kidney damage and sudden kidney failure.
I have arthritis. What are some pain relievers that will not harm my kidneys?
Speak to your doctor for the best option. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, you should use NSAIDs only under the supervision of your doctor.
How can I tell if my kidneys are affected by analgesics?
A simple blood test, called serum creatinine levels, can be performed by your doctor to check the kidneys. This test measures the amount of waste product that is normally excreted by your kidneys. The creatinine levels in your blood will increase if your kidneys do not work as well as they should. You can estimate your GFR using the results of serum creatinine testing. Your GFR tells your doctor about the kidney function that you have.
You can also test your urine for protein. Protein in urine can be a sign of kidney damage.
What are the other side effects of taking aspirin or NSAIDs besides pain?
Yes. Aspirin and NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other serious side effects. NSAIDs can also increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.
How can I keep my kidneys healthy and happy?
Analgesic-induced kidney disease is usually preventable.
Here are some ways you can help your kidneys stay healthy:
Use over-the-counter pain relievers for no more than ten consecutive days for pain or for more than three consecutive days for fever. You should consult your doctor if you experience pain or fever over a long period.
- Avoid using analgesics containing a combination of ingredients to relieve pain, such as aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen, in one pill.
- Increase your fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses daily if you take analgesics.
- Avoid alcohol if you are taking analgesics.
- Consult your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking any analgesics, especially NSAIDs or higher doses of aspirin.
- If you suffer from heart disease, high pressure, kidney or liver disease, or if diuretic medication is taken, or if you are over 65, you should only take NSAIDs with your doctor’s approval.
- Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, including over-the-counter medications.
- Read the warning labels before taking any analgesics over the counter.