1. Lithium
Lithium is primarily prescribed to manage bipolar disorder, stabilizing mood swings. However, its long-term use has been linked to kidney damage, as it can affect the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to a condition called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Over time, this may progress to chronic kidney disease if not carefully monitored.
Patients on lithium therapy require regular kidney function tests, including serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), to detect early signs of impairment. Adjustments in dosage or alternative treatments might be necessary based on these results.
2. Chemotherapy drugs
Certain chemotherapy medications are known to pose risks to kidney health. Drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin, pamidronate, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, quinine, mitomycin C, bevacizumab, and interferons can cause varying degrees of kidney toxicity. This can manifest as acute kidney injury or chronic damage depending on the drug and dosage.
These agents can harm the kidneys through mechanisms like reduced blood flow, direct tubular toxicity, or immune-mediated injury. Patients receiving these treatments often undergo frequent kidney function monitoring to prevent severe complications and adjust therapy accordingly.
