Which drug is known to cause nephrotic syndrome?

The drug associated with causing nephrotic syndrome is NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, often resulting from injury to the glomeruli in the kidneys.

NSAIDs can induce nephrotic syndrome through a few mechanisms, including causing alterations in renal blood flow and direct effects on glomerular structures. They may lead to the development of minimal change disease, which is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome, especially in children. This type of nephrotic syndrome responds well to corticosteroids, distinguishing it from other forms that might be secondary to systemic diseases.

While penicillin, heroin, and acetaminophen may have various side effects or associations with kidney issues, they are not typically recognized as direct causes of nephrotic syndrome in the same way that NSAIDs are. Penicillin can cause allergic reactions and some renal side effects, heroin can lead to acute kidney injury due to various complications, and acetaminophen is primarily associated with hepatotoxicity rather than nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, NSAIDs are the most notable drug linked to this specific condition.