Potential adverse effects of amphetamines on kidney; A narrative review on current knowledge

Abstract

This study aims to review the literature pertaining to the renal effects of amphetamines (AMPs) including AMP and its analogues (ARDAs) such as methamphetamine (MET) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) and discuss the implications for these drugs users. The study was performed through searching in the relevant literature. Sufficient clinical and experimental evidence suggested that AMPs have adverse and potentially nonfatal and fatal effects on users' kidneys. The acute and chronic renal complications due to illicit drugs such as AMPs have been investigated. A few renal effects in AMPs users have been demonstrated. However, isolated reports of adverse renal effects of AMPs including nephropathy due to rhabdomyolysis, necrotizing renal vasculopathy and malignant hypertension have been recorded. It can be suggested that renal damages after AMPs consumption should be considered in the emergency departments (EDs).