Ibuprofen is toxic to which organ?

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

Answer: (C)

Ibuprofen is an NSAID, which works by inhibiting prostaglandin production. In the kidney, prostaglandins help keep blood vessels in the kidneys dilated to maintain blood flow and filtration, especially when someone is dehydrated or has low effective circulating volume. By blocking these prostaglandins, ibuprofen causes constriction of the afferent arteriole, reducing renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate. This can lead to acute kidney injury or worsen preexisting kidney problems, making the kidneys the organ most at risk from ibuprofen toxicity. The lungs, heart, and liver are not typically affected to this degree by standard use, though rare liver injury can occur with NSAIDs. Risk is higher with dehydration, older age, kidney disease, or concurrent-diuretic/ACE inhibitor use.