Taking drugs for acidity may cause kidney problems, says study
Posted on: 28/Feb/2017 10:06:01 AM
Researchers from the Washington University in St. Louis have said that taking drugs to reduce gastric acid for prolonged periods may lead to serious kidney problems, including kidney failure. The study appeared in the journal of Kidney International.
Say the researchers, The sudden onset of kidney problems often serves as a red flag for doctors to discontinue their patients` use of so-called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce the secretion of gastric (stomach) acid. Our results indicate kidney problems can develop silently and gradually over time, eroding kidney function and leading to long-term kidney damage or even renal failure. Patients should be cautioned to tell their doctors if they`re taking PPIs and only use the drugs when necessary. Doctors must pay careful attention to kidney function in their patients who use PPIs, even when there are no signs of problems. In general, we always advise clinicians to evaluate whether PPI use is medically necessary in the first place because the drugs carry significant risks, including a deterioration of kidney function.
