Nephrotoxins

Abstract

The kidney is responsible for the elimination and metabolism of many foreign organic compounds, including pharmacologic agents. Ultimately these agents reach the urinary space for excretion via glomerular filtration or tubular secretion (Fig.53-1). In some instances drugs must undergo transformation into metabolites, a reaction that may actually take place within tubular cells before secretion into the tubular lumen. While performing its role as an excretory and metabolic organ, the kidney may be at risk for drug-induced toxicity.