19th May 2025

Introduction

Many drugs are renally excreted, thus the kidneys are exposed to high concentrations of these drugs and / or their metabolites. Drug-induced nephrotoxicity can be defined as any renal injury resulting directly or indirectly from the administration of medication(s). Evidence suggests that 20% of cases of acute kidney injury are attributable to drug-related nephrotoxicity. 

Factors predisposing to nephrotoxicity: 

• Older age (>70 years)
• Infants and young children 
• Pre-existing renal disease 
• Reduced intravascular volume or reduced effective intravascular volume
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disease
• Sepsis
• Polypharmacy
• Prior administration of intravenous contrast agents