Nephrotoxin
A nephrotoxin is a toxic agent or substance that inhibits, damages or destroys the cells and/or tissues of the kidneys. This is an example of a cytotoxin. The adjective form is nephrotoxic. These substances can include molds and fungi, cancer therapeutics such as cisplatin, antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead, and drugs of abuse such as cocaine.
Many medications, even when taken at modest doses or only occasionally, can damage the kidneys. This damage can be short-lived and at least partially reversible, in which case it is referred to as acute kidney injury (AKI).
Nephrotoxicity and Chinese Herbal Medicine
