From the Research
Ibuprofen Safety for Patients with One Kidney and Normal Renal Function
- The safety of ibuprofen for patients with one kidney and normal renal function is a concern due to the potential for renal impairment associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that ibuprofen can cause renal damage, including functional acute renal failure, water and electrolyte disorders, and interstitial nephritis, although these effects are generally dose-dependent and more common in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency or other risk factors 2, 3.
- A case report of near-fatal acute renal failure after massive ibuprofen ingestion highlights the potential for severe renal impairment, even in patients without a history of renal disease 1.
- However, another study found that ibuprofen-associated renal impairment was not significant in a large general internal medicine practice, except in certain high-risk subsets of patients, such as the elderly and those with coronary artery disease 4.
- A case of acute overdose of ibuprofen resulting in acute renal failure with tubular necrosis in a patient with no predisposition to NSAID-induced renal failure suggests that ibuprofen can cause acute renal failure even in individuals with normal renal function 5.
- Overall, while ibuprofen is generally considered safe for patients with normal renal function, patients with one kidney may still be at risk for renal impairment due to the potential for decreased renal reserve and increased susceptibility to NSAID-induced renal damage 2, 3, 4.