Does Fentanyl Affect Kidney Function? Risks and Side Effects

Fentanyl is famous worldwide as a severe painkiller but more than that it’s famous for its potential of being misused. It is often associated with fatal overdose risks. And for good reasons too, Fentanyl is a deadly substance and it is often sold illegally mixed with other drugs without the knowledge of the buyer. Now, everybody knows what kind of effects Fentanyl has on your brain and your respiratory organs. In some cases heart attacks due to Fentanyl can also occur. But many people are now questioning its effects on other organs too. The most common one is “Does Fentanyl affect kidney function?” and what are the Fentanyl effects on kidneys?  In this article we will shed light on this. But before we get to that let’s first understand a bit what this Fentanyl substance is. 

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a super-strong synthetic opioid drug used medically to treat severe and chronic pain. It binds to the mu-opioid protein receptor in your CNS. Fentanyl acts very fast in your body because it is highly fat-soluble and so it crosses the blood-brain barrier much faster than any other opioid painkillers.  It is not your average everyday painkiller; it is a prescribed medication that is only allowed when under medical supervision and is only given when the patient is truly suffering from severe pain like post-surgical pain or cancer treatment pain. You need to understand that Fentanyl is about a 100 times more potent than Morphine.  Fentanyl can affect your brain and body in many different and dangerous ways. But what kind of relation is there between Fentanyl and kidney functions? And Does fentanyl cause kidney disease?

Does Fentanyl Affect Kidney Function?

Despite all the potential dangers it can cause to your organs, the kidneys aren’t one of them. Not directly at least. Your kidneys are what filter the toxins out of your body. It also balances electrolytes and keeps overall stability in your body. So even though not directly but any substance that affects the oxygen supply, blood preasure and your metabolism can also affect your kidneys. According to current studies Fentanyl is not considered as a kidney toxin. It does not directly damage the kidney in most healthy individuals. But fentanyl can cause low blood pressure and slow or almost stopped breathing, and reduced oxygen delivery can impact your kidney functions.

Kidney Risk Factors while using Fentanyl

• Hypoxia: Fentanyl overdose can cause respiratory depression which reduces the oxygen level in your body. This is the condition known as Hypoxia. This insufficient oxygen can cause multiple organ damage. This also includes your kidneys. If this goes on for a prolonged time period then it can cause acute kidney damage. People often ask “Can fentanyl cause kidney failure?” Well if you see it for long enough then yes, Fentanyl can cause Hypoia and can lead to kidney failure.

• Rhabdomyolysis: In cases of Fentanyl overdose, a person can remain immobile for an extended period of time which can lead to muscle tissue breakdown. This condition is called Rhabdomyolysis. When muscle tissues break down they release substances like myoglobin into the bloodstream.  These substances can overload your kidneys and cause acute kidney failure. Now, Fentanyl does not cause Rhabdomyolysis directly but it can create conditions in which it can develop. 

• Dehydration: Taking Fentanyl can cause nausea and vomiting as its side effects and they can lead to a lack of water in your body or dehydration. Lack of water can put a significant amount of stress on your kidneys. 

• Blood Pressure: Using Fentanyl can cause low blood pressure which means there will not be enough blood flow to your kidneys. This can lead to some unnecessary strain on your kidneys and, in the long run can also damage them. 

• Pre-existing Kidney problems: If you have a kidney problem previously, then  Fentanyl is considered as a safer option for your kidneys than other opioids. But misuse or high doses can still pose a threat to your kidneys. 

Kidney Damage Symptoms To Watch Out For

Damage to the kidneys can develop slowly and gradually and it may not show immediate signs. The earliest warning signs can look like less urine output, swelling in the legs or face, confusion, nausea and getting tired very easily. As the damage advances you may experience chest discomfort and irregular heartbeats caused by an imbalance in electrolytes and body fluids. Kidney damage can be life-threatening so recognizing these signs early on can give you the advantage of getting yourself medical attention before it’s too late. 

How To Protect Your Kidneys When Using Fentanyl?

• Use responsibly: When dealing with powerful and potent substances like Fentanyl you need to be a bit extra careful. Because even an amount as small as 2 milligrams of Fentanyl could be dangerous.  Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs and sold on the streets so it is very important that you avoid buying drugs or medicines from illicit sources.
• Stay Hydrated: Lack of water hampers your kidneys’ function. Staying well hydrated helps support your kidneys to function better and also helps your body to process substances much more efficiently.
•  Avoid mixing substances: Avoid using other substances that can interact with Fentanyl. Alcohol for instance, is known to damage both your liver and kidneys. If you add Fentanyl to that equation, it can significantly increase the pressure on your kidneys.
• Regular checkups: If you are prescribed to take Fentanyl then a regular visit to the doctor is very important. So that you can monitor your situation under professional guidance. And they can adjust your dosage at the very first sign of addiction.

Final Thoughts

So does Fentanyl affect Kidney function? Well, yes but not directly. Fentanyl can create situations that can lead to Kidney problems. Addiction can become a problem for your kidneys too. Because when you get addicted, your body develops tolerance and as a result you end up increasing the dosage. Then it creates a chance of overdose and an overdose of Fentanyl can be painless but is very dangerous for your overall health. If you are addicted to Fentanyl then you should try Fentanyl addiction treatment.