Which organ is commonly affected by NSAIDs such as ibuprofen?

Which organ is commonly affected by NSAIDs such as ibuprofen?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidney
• C. Heart
• D. Lungs

Answer: (B)

NSAIDs impair kidney function because they inhibit prostaglandin production that normally helps keep renal blood flow adequate. Prostaglandins, especially PGE2 and PGI2, dilate the afferent arteriole in the kidneys, maintaining glomerular filtration when perfusion is reduced (for example, dehydration, low blood pressure, or in patients taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors). When ibuprofen blocks COX enzymes and lowers these prostaglandins, the afferent arteriole constricts, GFR drops, and you can get acute kidney injury or fluid retention. That makes the kidney the organ most commonly affected by NSAIDs. Liver injury from NSAIDs is uncommon, and while NSAIDs can cause cardiovascular or respiratory issues in certain contexts, they don’t typically target the heart or lungs as primary organ toxicity.

NSAIDs impair kidney function because they inhibit prostaglandin production that normally helps keep renal blood flow adequate. Prostaglandins, especially PGE2 and PGI2, dilate the afferent arteriole in the kidneys, maintaining glomerular filtration when perfusion is reduced (for example, dehydration, low blood pressure, or in patients taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors). When ibuprofen blocks COX enzymes and lowers these prostaglandins, the afferent arteriole constricts, GFR drops, and you can get acute kidney injury or fluid retention. That makes the kidney the organ most commonly affected by NSAIDs. Liver injury from NSAIDs is uncommon, and while NSAIDs can cause cardiovascular or respiratory issues in certain contexts, they don’t typically target the heart or lungs as primary organ toxicity.