Combining certain meds with ibuprofen can permanently injure kidneys (Diuretic + (ACE-I, ARB, or direct renin inhibitor) + ibuprofen)

Medical Xpress / University of Waterloo / Mathematical Biosciences ^ | May 5, 2022 | Jessica Leete et al

[ConservativeMind]

Anyone who is taking a diuretic and a renin-angiotensin system (RSA) inhibitor for high blood pressure should be cautious about also taking ibuprofen, according to new research.

Diuretics and RSA inhibitors are commonly prescribed together for people with hypertension and are available under various pharmaceutical brand names. Painkillers such as ibuprofen are available over-the-counter in most pharmacies and stores in popular brands.

Researchers used computer-simulated drug trials to model the interactions of the three drugs and the impact on the kidney. They found that in people with certain medical profiles, the combination can cause acute kidney injury, which in some cases can be permanent.

"It's not that everyone who happens to take this combination of drugs is going to have problems," said Anita Layton, professor. "But the research shows it's enough of a problem that you should exercise caution."

Computer-simulated drug trials can quickly produce results that would take much longer in human clinical trials. Layton and her team use mathematics and computer science to give medical practitioners a head start with issues like drug complications.

The research, in this case, can also speak directly to the many people who are taking drugs for hypertension and may reach for a painkiller with ibuprofen without giving it much thought.

"Diuretics are a family of drugs that make the body hold less water," Layton said. "Being dehydrated is a major factor in acute kidney injury, and then the RAS inhibitor and ibuprofen hit the kidney with this triple whammy. If you happen to be on these hypertension drugs and need a painkiller, consider acetaminophen instead."

Layton's new research paper, with co-authors Jessica Leete, Carolyn Wang, and Francisco J. López-Hernández, "Determining risk factors for triple whammy acute kidney injury," appears in the journal Mathematical Biosciences.

[ConservativeMind]

In my research, it seems a calcium-channel blocker (like amlodipine) could be a better option than a diuretic, for most, combined with an ARB (like irbesartan or telmisartan), for treating high blood pressure.

[ConservativeMind]

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[MachIV]

I made the mistake of taking Ibuprofen about 9 years ago when I had flu symptoms and I probably took nyquil as well. The combination of that and stress I was undergoing at the time spiked my blood pressure and put me in an emergency room one morning till it went down naturally on its own.

I will NEVER touch Ibuprofen again if I never have to.

[Cold Heart]

Do a search “grape seed extract kidney”

[catnipman]

it’s called the kidney triple whammy ... well known by educated physicians, though they rarely warn patients about this when prescribing these medications, and almost unknown by the general public ...

https://www.google.com/search?q=kidney+triple+whammy

[RatRipper]

I am a heart patient on blood pressure medicine for years. I was told years ago not to take ibuprofen or alleve with my meds.

[COBOL2Java]

I am a heart patient on blood pressure medicine for years. I was told years ago not to take ibuprofen or alleve with my meds.

Same thing with blood thinners. I take blood thinners and my pain management doctor told me to avoid ibuprofen - take acetaminophen instead

[SuzyQue]

Would you put me on your ping list, please, Conservative Mind?

Thanks!

[MachIV]

Thank You. Alleve is the other product I will likewise not touch either unless specifically under a doctor’s direction. Just too many bad side effects outway the good with these two OTC products in my opinion.

[MachIV]

I remember when this Covid thing first broke and there was a report or two that came out about some folks started taking ibuprofen when they contracted covid(thought they didn’t know what it was at the time) and it actually made them WORSE.

It was stated early that acetaminophen products were better to take.

[ConservativeMind]

Thank you for that.

Here was a nice, easy to read, write up of the situation for anyone interested:

Avoiding the “triple whammy” in primary care:

https://bpac.org.nz/2018/docs/triple-whammy.pdf

[Shery]

IBU makes me feel like I’m having a heart attack, with real symptoms. I take ASA for pain, headache, etc. Works the best. Just need to lay off a week before labs so you don’t bleed too much after the lab draw.

[OrangeHoof]

I’m sure the makers of acetaminophen paid for the study. I’ve taken diuretics and ibuprofen for decades now and I can still pee up a storm without pain.

[broken_clock]

Also curious about this news. I occasionally take ibuprofen for sinus problems and also am prescribed Losartan for high bp. Haven’t had a problem yet though diuretics are not added to my mix.

[DAC21]

whoopsie, this be me as I’m on Lisinopril / Hctz combo pill. Will now avoid ibu.

[ConservativeMind]

Those two drugs alone are not a problem.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Thanks C.M. Not taking these currently, but will be aware if I have to.