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In the know: The role of kidneys in drug elimination

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, January 4, 2010

To avoid drug overdosing, it's important to understand the importance the kidneys play in drug administration. The kidneys are the main pathway for drug elimination. Drugs are eliminated via the urine. Drug elimination is influenced by urine pH and kidney function. Impaired kidney functioning results in decreases in glomerular filtration rates, which leads to a reduction of drug elimination. Adverse drug reactions can result from drug accumulation related to abnormal kidney functioning.

Drug dosages may need to be reduced in the elderly because kidney function declines due to age, and in young children, who have immature kidneys.

For more tips, check out HCPro's book, Stressed Out About Drug Interactions.

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