By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
Most people have taken medications like ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain.
These medications, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are widely used and effective, but they have long been associated with potential kidney problems, especially in hospital settings. Because of this, many clinicians are cautious when prescribing them to hospitalized patients, often relying more heavily on other pain management options.
NSAID maybe a safe option even with kidney injury risks
A recent study examined whether NSAID use in hospitalized patients increases the risk of acute kidney injury. This is a condition where the kidneys suddenly lose function. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 12,000 hospitalized patients and compared those who received NSAIDs early during their stay to those who did not. The results showed no significant increase in kidney injury among patients who received NSAIDs.
However, an important detail is that patients who were given NSAIDs tended to be younger and healthier with fewer underlying conditions. This suggests that clinicians were already carefully selecting lower risk patients for these medications, which likely influenced the findings.
These results highlight an important concept in medicine in that risk is often dependent on the individual. While NSAIDs can still pose kidney risks in certain populations, especially those with dehydration, chronic disease, or multiple medications, they may be a safe option for pain control in appropriately selected patients.
Pain management should be personalized
In conclusion, pain management should be personalized and not general. For everyday health, this reinforces the importance of using medications thoughtfully and supporting overall kidney health through proper hydration by drinking water throughout the day, balanced nutrition and avoiding processed foods, and regular, daily physical activity and aerobic exercise. Just like exercise and lifestyle habits, the safest and most effective approach is one that considers the whole person, not just the symptoms being treated.
Article’s Source
Rieck KM, Schroeder DR, Mao MA. Inpatient NSAID Exposure and Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Medical Inpatients: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Am J Med Open. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ajmo.2025.100119.
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