Hyderabad: Drugs that are used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers cause silent damage to the kidney, according to a study. Components called ‘proton pump inhibitors’ which are used for these drugs are found to cause a decline in the functioning of the kidney and could lead to acute kidney problems.
There are no warning signs as the functioning of the kidney tapers gradually, leading to long-term damage or renal failure. Dr K.M. Manohar, senior nephrologist said that deterioration of kidneys was caused not only by gastrointestinal drugs but also by medication taken by diabetics to control sugar levels. “Every patient who is on higher dosage of drugs has to get their kidneys checked,” he said.
The research found that half the cases of chronic kidney damage and end-stage renal failure occurred in patients who showed no signs of acute kidney problems.
A senior nephrologist said it was important for physicians who put patients on high doses of medication for acid reflux or diabetes to get a report on the functioning of the kidneys from time to time.
