Rofecoxib

Kidney

Hyperkalemia

Kidney disease

Acute kidney injury

Biochemistry

Cyclooxygenase

Interstitial nephritis

Discontinuation

Edema

Enzyme

Internal medicine

Pharmacology

Medicine

Chemistry

Nephrotic syndrome

Hyponatremia

European Journal of Internal Medicine

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are ones of the commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. They primarily inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme which is responsible for conversion of phospholipids to various prostaglandins (PGs). Disruption in PGs production affects the kidneys in several ways, including vasoconstriction that may result in ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) in at-risk patients. They also impair salt and water excretion, leading to edema and hypertension. Other complications include hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, nephrotic syndrome, acute interstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease progression. AKI from NSAIDs is usually reversible with favorable prognosis after discontinuation of NSAIDs. Avoidance of NSAIDs exposure is extremely important, especially among high-risk patients.

Acute kidney injury associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs