Elevated creatinine levels are an indication of impaired kidney function. Generally, by the time creatinine levels begin to rise, kidney function may be impaired as much as 40 percent. Creatinine levels can be temporarily or permanently elevated in response to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. While this side effect is less common in people with healthy kidneys, people with impaired function are sensitive to many drugs that would otherwise be considered innocuous.
Cyclosporine A
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection after transplant. More than any other drug, cyclosporine made organ transplant possible. However, possible side effects of cyclosporine include elevated creatinine. This is a particular concern among patients who received transplanted kidneys.
The 2004 issue of Transplant Protocol states that tacrolimus is a good alternative to cyclosporine if patients develop nephrotoxicity.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are also called ACE inhibitors. This family of drugs is used to treat high blood pressure and reduce urine protein levels in kidney patients. ACE inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, but they are known to increase creatinine levels in a small number of patients. In rare instances, this increase can be extreme. The German journal Klin Wochenschrift reported that the creatinine level of a young woman increased from 2.1 mg% to 8.5 mg% after use of an ACE inhibitor.
Chemotherapy Drugs
The cancer drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, methotrexate, amphotericin and mytomycin are associated with increased creatinine levels. Often the increase is temporary, but sometimes it can be permanent. Doctors must carefully monitor patients who are receiving chemotherapy, because the risk of kidney failure is very real and must be balanced against the benefit of treatment.
