Long Term Effects of Nephrotoxic Medications and the Increased Prevalence of Kidney Disease in the Geriatric Population

Abstract

Tasha D. Ruffin

The use of nephrotoxic medications is an ongoing challenge within the health care profession. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat numerous disease processes are becoming a major concern to the health care community as it relates to continued use and damaging kidneys in vulnerable populations. The geriatric population in particular, is one that is associated with many challenges due to the normal aging process, co-morbidities, the use of multiple medications, the misuse of OTC medications and drug-to-drug interactions. This paper will discuss three common OTC medications that are associated with nephrotoxicity. These medications include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal medications. The research articles reviewed will explore the relationship of long term effects of the use of nephrotoxic medications and the prevalence of kidney disease in the geriatric population.

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