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Although painkillers are a lifeline for many patients due to their effective mechanism in relieving pain, fever, and reducing the symptoms of many diseases, exercising caution when using them can avoid many risks. Studies have shown that long-term use of high doses of painkillers without the supervision of a physician can harm the kidneys.

In our next article, we will discuss the effect of painkillers and their various types on the kidneys, how to use them properly without harming the kidneys, and effective ways to maintain kidney health.

What are painkillers?: Painkillers are a group of medications that work to relieve pain. Unlike medications used for anesthesia during surgery, painkillers do not block nerves, alter your ability to sense your surroundings, or alter your consciousness. Rather, they work to reduce the severity of pain associated with various diseases.

The Effect of Painkillers on the Kidneys:

• There are some types of painkillers that do not require a prescription, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and others, which are taken by patients suffering from mild to moderate pain.
• When these types of painkillers are taken at the recommended dose, they may not be harmful. However, many painkillers are harmful, especially to the kidneys, when taken in combination with other medications or when large doses of painkillers are taken continuously for several years.
• Research has shown that taking painkillers in quantities exceeding the prescribed dose causes acute kidney failure, along with other factors in such patients, such as advanced age, chronic diseases, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, etc.Unfortunately, when kidney failure occurs, the person requires immediate medical intervention, such as dialysis, until the emergency resolves.
• Consuming one or a combination of these painkillers (such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium) daily for a long period of time can lead to chronic kidney problems and impaired kidney function. This is called painkiller-associated nephropathy. Combining two or more medications (such as aspirin and acetaminophen together) with caffeine or codeine is most likely to cause kidney damage. (Pain relievers containing codeine require a prescription.)

Analgesic Risk Factors:
Research on patients has shown an increased risk of kidney damage in those who take pain relievers at doses higher than the prescribed dose, or who engage in the following habits:

• Using over-the-counter pain relievers that contain more than one active ingredient.
• Taking six or more pills a day for three or more years.
• Excessive use of pain relievers for chronic headaches, back pain, menstrual pain, muscle pain, and bone pain.
• Some unhealthy habits include smoking, alcohol abuse, and excessive use of sedatives.

Ways to Maintain Kidney Health:
Here are some ways you can protect your kidneys from problems caused by pain relievers.

• Drink more fluids (6-8 glasses per day) if you are already taking pain relievers.
• Avoid alcohol if you are taking pain relievers.
• Do not use over-the-counter pain relievers for more than 10 consecutive days for pain or for more than three days for fever.
• Avoid long-term use of pain relievers.
• If you have kidney problems, consult your doctor before taking pain relievers, especially NSAIDs.
• Be sure to use NSAIDs under a doctor's supervision if you have heart disease, high blood pressure,
  kidney disease, liver disease, are taking diuretics, or are over the age of 65.
• Make sure your doctor knows about all medications you take, even over-the-counter medications.
• Be sure to read the warning label before using any over-the-counter pain reliever.