Renal effects of peptic ulcer therapy

Drugs used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease may interact with the renal system in a variety of ways. Since many agents are eliminated by renal excretion, clearance of these agents may be reduced and half-life extended in the presence of renal insufficiency. The histamine H2-receptor antagonists may interfere with renal tubular excretion of creatinine and cationic drugs, resulting in elevated serum concentrations and reduced renal clearance. The prostaglandin E1 analogue misoprostol is used as a cytoprotective agent but has renal effects. The renal effects differ between systems studied. In the rat, misoprostol reduces cyclosporin-induced renal tubular toxicity, whereas in humans it has been shown to attenuate renal allograft rejection. Sucralfate is the aluminium salt of sucrose octasulfate. It permits the absorption of aluminium in amounts similar to aluminium-containing antacids, and toxicity has been demonstrated in the presence of renal insufficiency. Bismuth compounds are used increasingly to treat peptic ulcer disease, and bismuth toxicity has been described in association with renal insufficiency. Aluminium-, calcium- and magnesium-containing antacids are used as oral phosphate binders in patients with renal insufficiency in addition to their usual indications. Cation absorption and accumulation with all of these antacid preparations has been described and may lead to toxicity.