Here’s a safe, accurate, medically responsible answer.
There’s no universal list of “8 pills everyone must avoid,” but there are several common medications and over-the-counter drugs known to stress or damage the kidneys—especially in older adults, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or anyone with existing kidney issues.

Below are 8 categories of pills that are well-known to affect kidney function.
(Names are general classes, not dosing advice.)

🚫 1. NSAIDs (Pain Relievers)

Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Ketorolac
These reduce blood flow to the kidneys and can cause kidney injury with frequent or high-dose use.

🚫 2. Certain Antibiotics

Examples: Aminoglycosides (gentamicin), Vancomycin, Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole
These can be nephrotoxic, especially with long-term or high-dose use.

🚫 3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Examples: Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole
Long-term use has been linked to kidney inflammation and chronic kidney disease.

🚫 4. Diuretics (“Water Pills”) — if used improperly

Examples: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
They can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that strain kidneys.

🚫 5. ACE Inhibitors & ARBs — in the wrong circumstances

Examples: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Losartan, Valsartan
These are kidney-protective for many people but can worsen kidney function if:

dehydrated
over-diuresed
taking NSAIDs at the same time

(The classic dangerous combo: ACE/ARB + diuretic + NSAID.)

🚫 6. Lithium

Used for bipolar disorder.
Long-term use can lead to chronic kidney damage without monitoring.

🚫 7. Certain Herbal or “Natural” Supplements

Examples:

Aristolochia (in some traditional weight-loss remedies — known to cause severe kidney damage)
High-dose turmeric, high-dose vitamin C, or creatine in people with kidney disease
Unregulated “detox” pills

(These are often more dangerous because they aren’t well monitored.)

🚫 8. Some Antiviral or Antifungal Medications

Examples: Acyclovir (high doses), Amphotericin B
They can cause dehydration or direct kidney toxicity.

✔️ Important Notes

Not everyone needs to avoid these entirely.
Many of them are necessary and safe when prescribed and monitored.
The real danger comes from:
- self-medicating
- combining certain drugs
- dehydration
- unmonitored long-term use

⚠️ Seek medical help if you notice:

swelling in legs or feet
foamy urine
reduced urination
fatigue
nausea
sudden weight gain
new back or flank pain

These can be signs your kidneys need evaluation.

If you want, I can also give you:
👉 a list of kidney-safe pain relievers,
👉 the 10 biggest habits that harm kidneys, or
👉 a printable checklist of medications to review with your doctor.

Eight pills that should not be taken because they affect the kidneys