NEPHROTOXICITY OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are important therapeuti c agents in the management of rheumatologic disorders and other pain s yndromes. Over the counter availability of the drugs has expanded the usage of the drugs. This article reviews the nephrotoxicity of these d rugs, with some emphasis on NSAID-related proteinuria. Although revers ibility of renal involvement upon drug discontinuance is the rule, pro gression to end-stage renal disease has occurred, A proposed guideline for monitoring renal impairment in low- and high-risk patients is als o presented.