Nephrotoxicityistoxicity in the kidneys. It is a poisonous effect of some substances, both toxic chemicals and medications, on kidney function.[1] There are various forms,[2] and some drugs may affect kidney function in more than one way. Nephrotoxins are substances displaying nephrotoxicity.
Nephrotoxicity should not be confused with some medications predominantly excreted by the kidneys needing their dose adjusted for the decreased kidney function (e.g., heparin, lithium).
Drug-induced glomerular disease is not common but there are a few drugs that have been implicated. Glomerular lesions occur primarily through immune-mediated pathways rather than through direct drug toxicity.
Heroin and Pamidronate are known to cause focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Gold salts therapy can cause membranous nephropathy[4]
Aristolochic acid, found in some plants and in some herbal supplements derived from those plants, has been shown to have nephrotoxic effects on humans.
Rhubarb contains some nephrotoxins which can cause inflammation of the kidneys in some people.
Nephrotoxicity is usually monitored through a simple blood test. A decreased creatinine clearance indicates poor kidney function. In interventional radiology, a patient's creatinine clearance levels are all checked prior to a procedure.[citation needed]
Serum creatinine is another measure of kidney function, which may be more useful clinically when dealing with patients with early kidney disease. Normal creatinine level is between 80 - 120 μmol/L.[citation needed]
