Medications that can cause acute renal failure

Many medications can cause acute renal failure. Examples include:

  • Antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, amphotericin B, bacitracin, acyclovir, and vancomycin.
  • Blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors (such as captopril and ramipril) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
  • Medicines used for cancer treatment (chemotherapy), such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and methotrexate.
  • Dyes (contrast media) used in medical imaging tests.
  • Illegal drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine.
  • Medicines used to treat HIV (protease inhibitors), such as indinavir and ritonavir.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or ASA (Aspirin).
  • Ulcer medicines such as cimetidine.

Other chemicals, such as insecticides, herbicides, and ethylene glycol, can also cause acute renal failure.



Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: July 31, 2007
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine

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