Drug-Induced Glomerulopathy: A Selective Review

Tbe pathogenesis of drug-induced glomerular disease is becoming better understood because of recent advances in the study of glomerular physiology and metabolism. Various classes of drugs may produce nephrotoxicity. This review is limited to types of drugs whose use may result in glomerular functional and metabolic abnormalities leading to proteinuria and/or renal insufficiency. Drugs which cause tubular necrosis are excluded. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are examples of drugs that induce glomerular proteinuria and minimal change nephropathy. Gold, penicillamine, and captopril produce drug-induced glomerular proteinuria in association with membranous nephropathy. Finally, semustine and mitomycin are examples of drugs that induce glomerular sclerosis and microangiopathy