Long-term use of pain killers can damage kidneys. The threat is even greater in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, diabetics and high blood pressure patients who should instead switch to paracetamol or opioids for pain control.  Not many people realize it, but long-term use of analgesics (pain killers) can lead to a condition called analgesic neuropathy which causes kidney damage.

Pain killers don’t harm the kidneys in health individuals if taken occasionally. However, taking them too often for a prolonged period, especially as a combination of drugs, can cause severe kidney damage. The threat is even greater in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, diabetics and patients of high blood pressure. Their kidneys can get damaged with even occasional use of pain killers.

Many analgesics are sold without prescription for reducing pain and inflammation. These include Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen. A combination of drugs, including aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine, are also easily available and commonly taken by patients for chronic headaches and backaches.

Pain killers can lead to kidney damage in many ways. Most patients present themselves with acute rise in creatinine levels, known as Acute kidney Injury. There can also be worsening of pre-existing Chronic Kidney Disease in terms of rise in creatinine levels. Pain killers can also cause a rise in potassium levels in the body. Most patients remain asymptomatic in early stages of kidney disease and the raised creatinine is an incidental finding. However, in advanced forms of the disease, there can be breathlessness, vomiting, loss of appetite and swelling all over body.

Prevention is always better than cure, so a judicious use of pain killers is advised. These should be taken if absolutely necessary. Patients with known kidney disease or those at risk of kidney disease such as like elderly and diabetics should avoid pain killers totally. They should instead switch to paracetamol or opioids for pain control. If you are taking pain killers regularly and find that your creatinine level is raised, discontinue their use and see a nephrologist immediately.

Dr. Manju Aggarwal

Chief – Medical Services & Chairperson – Nephrology

Artemis Hospital in Gurugram

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