EFFECTS OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS ON THE KIDNEY

Renal prostaglandins are necessary for compensatory renal vasodilation under adverse conditions. When prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, potentially life-threatening disease may develop. The clinician should be aware of potential side effects associated with NSAID therapy, particularly in volume depleted or hypotensive patients (Table 1). Renal effects of NSAID therapy, if discovered early and treated aggressively, are potentially reversible.