Which toxins can cause acute renal failure?

Acute renal failure can occur when poisons are excreted by the kidneys and become concentrated in the tubular fluid, damaging the lining cells of the tubules.1

Numerous substances can cause this toxic effect, categorized primarily into the following groups:

• Heavy metals: Mercury, arsenic, and uranium.1
• Organic solvents: Carbon tetrachloride, propylene glycol, and methanol.1
• Other organic substances: Aniline, phenindione, and various insecticides.1
• Antibacterial agents: Sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, and amphotericin.1
• Fungi: Certain species, such as Amanita phalloides.1

While these substances are nephrotoxic, it is important to note that if a patient can be maintained during the period of depressed renal function and is not harmed by other effects of the poison, the tubular cells may regenerate and the patient can survive.1