Can drug-induced kidney injury be reversed?

Drug-induced kidney injury is usually reversible, depending closely on the duration and site of damage.

If acute tubular injury is caused by osmotic diuretics such as mannitol, renal function can generally return to normal after treatment. However, interstitial kidney damage resulting from long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or medications containing aristolochic acid often cannot be completely reversed, potentially leading to persistent tubular dysfunction or even renal failure. Kidney damage caused by antibiotics may fully recover in some cases, but elderly patients may be left with impaired kidney function.

When kidneys are damaged by medications, attention should be paid to adjusting dietary habits. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bitter gourd and celery, can help eliminate toxins and reduce the burden on the kidneys. It is advisable to avoid high-cholesterol and high-fat foods such as animal organs, egg yolks, and fried foods, as these may increase the burden on the liver and kidneys and worsen kidney injury.

Staying up late can exacerbate liver and kidney damage and impair the self-repair of liver and kidney cells; therefore, it is important to regulate sleep schedules. Appropriate physical activities such as walking, swimming, or jogging, chosen according to individual physical condition, can improve blood circulation, accelerate toxin elimination, and promote recovery of kidney function.