Renal Disease and Analgesic Choice

TYLENOL^® does not compromise renal function in patients with existing kidney dysfunction when taken at recommended doses^1,2

Graphic of kidneys inside of the human body.

TYLENOL® does not impact the COX pathways that affect kidney function the way that NSAIDs can

Two cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways affect kidney function—COX-1 and COX-2—and NSAIDs can impact both^3,4
In kidneys with some degree of dysfunction, NSAIDs’ COX inhibition may⁴:
- Compromise renal function
- Promote sodium and fluid retention
The National Kidney Foundation has identified acetaminophen as the pain reliever of choice for occasional use in patients with underlying renal disease⁵

Patient populations where renal risks may be a concern

NSAIDs may precipitate acute renal failure in the elderly and in some patients with⁴:

Preexisting renal insufficiency
Hypertension
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
Cirrhosis
Sepsis

Thumbnail for a video explaining how NSAIDs’ inhibition of COX may compromise renal function.

Renal Dysfunction Risk

Watch how NSAIDs’ COX inhibition may compromise renal function⁴

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Medical professional showing a tablet to a patient.

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^{NSAIDs=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; OTC=over-the-counter}

References

^1.^{Prescott LF, Speirs GC, Critchley JA, Temple RM, Winney RJ. Paracetamol disposition and metabolite kinetics in patients with chronic renal failure.}^{Eur J Clin Pharmacol}^{. 1989;36(3):291-297.}^2.^{Martin U, Temple RM, Winney RJ, Prescott LF. The disposition of paracetamol and the accumulation of its glucuronide and sulphate conjugates during multiple dosing in patients with chronic renal failure.}^{Eur J Clin Pharmacol}^{. 1991;41(1):43-46.}^3.^{Weir MR. Renal effects of nonselective NSAIDs and coxibs.}^{Cleve Clin J Med}^{. 2002;69 Suppl 1:SI53-SI58.}^4.^{Bugge JF. Renal effects and complications of NSAIDs for routine post-operative pain relief: increased awareness of a real problem is needed.}^Baillieres^{Clin Anaesthesiol}^{. 1995;9(3):483-492.}^5.^{Henrich WL, Agodoa LE, Barrett B, et al. Analgesics and the kidney: summary and recommendations to the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation from an ad hoc committee of the National Kidney Foundation.}^{Am J Kidney Dis}^{. 1996;27(1):162-165.}