Combining Medications With Ibuprofen Injures Kidneys

Researchers used computer-simulated drug trials to model the interactions of diuretics, painkillers and antihypertensives along with their impact on the kidney.

Combination of diuretics, antihypertensives and painkillers can cause acute kidney injury in patients with certain medical profiles, as per the team of researchers at the University of Waterloo.

Diuretics and RSA inhibitors (antihypertensives) are commonly prescribed together for people with hypertension and are available under various pharmaceutical brand names. Painkillers such as ibuprofen are available over-the-counter in most pharmacies and stores in popular brands.

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‘New research shows it’s enough of a problem that people using a combination of painkillers especially ibuprofen with diuretics and RSA inhibitors should be cautious of kidney injury.’
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“It’s not that everyone who happens to take this combination of drugs is going to have problems,” said Prof. Anita Layton, at the University of Waterloo. “But the research shows it’s enough of a problem that you should exercise caution.”

Drug Trials Using Mathematics and Computer Science

Computer-simulated drug trials can quickly produce results that would take much longer in human clinical trials.

Layton and her team use mathematics and computer science to give medical practitioners a head start with issues like drug complications.

The research, in this case, can also speak directly to the many people who are taking drugs for hypertension and may reach for a painkiller with ibuprofen without giving it much thought.

“Diuretics are a family of drugs that make the body hold less water,” Layton said. “Being dehydrated is a major factor in acute kidney injury, and then the RAS inhibitor and ibuprofen hit the kidney with this triple whammy. If you happen to be on these hypertension drugs and need a painkiller, consider acetaminophen instead.”

Source-Medindia