OTC medication-induced nephrotoxicity in the elderly and CKD patient.

There are more than 400,000 over-the-counter (OTC) medications available in drug stores across the country, and the list continues to grow. The movement of prescription medications to OTC medications has been rapidly escalating since 1997. In general, if taken correctly by "healthy" individuals, OTC medications are safe. But, who is "healthy"? Millions of Americans have chronic kidney disease and have not yet been diagnosed. Likewise, through the normal aging process, renal function has already declined for millions of Baby Boomers who consider themselves "healthy." The current self-care movement implies that we are capable of self diagnosing our condition and to self prescribe the correct medication for treatment. Unfortunately, we may be unaware of the side effects, ingredients, or correct dosage of OTC medications. By understanding the effects of OTC medications on renal function, clinicians will be positioned to educate family, friends, and the community at large to limit their exposure to drugs that may accelerate loss of kidney function, or acute renal failure.