Drugs and the Kidney

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to drugs and their effects on kidney function.

GFR

Glomerular Filtration Rate, the rate at which blood is filtered through the kidneys.

Afferent arteriolar tone

The degree of constriction or dilation of the afferent arterioles that feeds blood into the glomeruli, affecting GFR.

Efferent arteriolar tone

The degree of constriction or dilation of the efferent arterioles that carries blood away from the glomeruli, affecting GFR.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications that reduce inflammation and pain; can affect renal blood flow.

Calcineurin inhibitors

Drugs that suppress the immune system, used in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.

ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors, medications that relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

SGLT2 inhibitors

Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors, medications that prevent glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, example: Dapagliflozin.

Uricosurics

Drugs that increase the excretion of uric acid in the urine; used to treat gout.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Medications that inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, impacting bicarbonate reabsorption; examples include Acetazolamide and Topiramate.

Mitochondrial toxins

Compounds that can cause damage to mitochondrial function; examples include Tenofovir and Dimethyl fumarate.

Bartter syndrome

A genetic condition caused by kidney defects affecting salt handling, leading to electrolyte imbalances.

Loop diuretics

Medications that inhibit sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle; examples include Furosemide and Bumetanide.

Diuresis

Increased production of urine.

Hypokalaemia

Lower than normal levels of potassium in the blood.

Metabolic alkalosis

A condition where the body fluids have excess base (alkali).

Hypercalciuria

Excess calcium in the urine.

Gitelman syndrome

A genetic disorder affecting electrolyte transport leading to low levels of potassium and magnesium.

Thiazide diuretics

Medications that inhibit sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule; example: Bendroflumethiazide.

Hypocalciuria

Lower than normal levels of calcium in the urine.

Principal cells

Cells in the collecting duct that are involved in salt and water reabsorption.

Intercalated cells

Cells in the collecting duct that regulate acid-base balance.

Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)

A channel that allows sodium to be reabsorbed in principal cells.

PHA type 1

Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1, a genetic disorder affecting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

Amiloride

A potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits ENaC.

Liddle syndrome

A genetic condition leading to increased sodium reabsorption and hypertension.

Aquaporins

Water channels that facilitate water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

A condition where the kidneys do not respond properly to vasopressin, leading to excessive urination.

Vaptans

A class of drugs that inhibit the action of vasopressin on its receptors.

Alpha intercalated cells

Cells that secrete acid into the urine.

Beta intercalated cells

Cells that secrete bicarbonate into the urine.

Distal renal tubular acidosis

A condition resulting from failure of acid secretion in the distal tubule, leading to metabolic acidosis.

ADH

Antidiuretic Hormone, also known as vasopressin, regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Glucosuria

The excretion of glucose in the urine.

Posterior pituitary destruction

Damage to the posterior part of the pituitary gland, affecting hormone release.

Vasopressin receptors

Receptors that mediate the effects of vasopressin on the kidneys.

Thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics

Two classes of diuretics that can induce hypokalaemia by increasing urine output.

Dapagliflozin

An SGLT2 inhibitor used in diabetes management that lowers plasma glucose levels.

Hypernatraemia

Higher than normal levels of sodium in the blood.