Renal effects of prostaglandins and clinical adverse effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents ( NSAIA ) are increasingly used in clinical practice. They exert the majority of their therapeutic and adverse effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. A variety of clinically important side effects have been described following their administration. We review the renal complications, which include sodium retention, interference with the effectiveness of diuretics, impairment of water excretion, development of hyperkalemia, interference with the therapy of hypertension, and induction of at least four different forms of renal failure. The hemodynamic variety of renal failure and the side effects affecting fluid and electrolyte homeostasis are most likely to become manifest in the context of conditions leading to decreased renal perfusion. Guidelines for use of NSAIA , detection of patients at risk, and therapeutic approaches are provided.