nephrotoxic
adjective
neph·ro·tox·ic ˌne-frə-ˈtäk-sik 
: poisonous to the kidney
nephrotoxic drugs
also : resulting from or marked by poisoning of the kidney
nephrotoxic effects
Examples of nephrotoxic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some drugs are nephrotoxic, which means that their effects can cause kidney damage.1 Drugs such as certain antibiotics, the mood stabilizer lithium, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can potentially harm the kidneys, especially under specific conditions. —
Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2025 These include holding nephrotoxic medications that could harm the kidneys, setting specific goals for urine and cardiac output and following specific protocols when those goals aren't met. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 While cheaper than pure glycerine, the alternative ingredients are nephrotoxic and can cause organ failure, especially in children. —Diego Lasarte, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2025 These include holding nephrotoxic medications that could harm the kidneys, setting specific goals for urine and cardiac output and following specific protocols when those goals aren't met. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 While cheaper than pure glycerine, the alternative ingredients are nephrotoxic and can cause organ failure, especially in children. —Diego Lasarte, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Nephrotoxic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/nephrotoxic. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
nephrotoxic
adjective
neph·ro·tox·ic ˌnef-rə-ˈtäk-sik
: poisonous to the kidney
nephrotoxic drugs
also : resulting from or marked by poisoning of the kidney
nephrotoxic effects
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
