Red Alert: Drug-Induced Kidney and Liver Injury

Course overview

Drug-induced kidney and liver injury is a major problem throughout the world. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs are involved in the pathogenesis of kidney and liver toxicity, including antibiotics, acetaminophen (Tylenol), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), and ACE inhibitors. The frequency at which these medications are prescribed means that kidney and liver toxicities are quite common. To further compound this issue, many agents that cause kidney or liver toxicity are available over the counter. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses, physicians, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists are aware of which agents commonly cause kidney or liver injury, symptoms that may indicate toxicity, abnormalities in lab values that indicate kidney or liver injury, and potential preventive measures.