Medications are a common cause of kidney damage, also known as nephrotoxicity or, when severe, renal failure. According to an article in the January/February 2013 "Aging Well," 20 percent of all episodes of acute kidney damage are due to medications.

Propranolol is a medication in a class of drugs known as beta blockers. Beta blockers work by decreasing the contractility of the heart and dilating the blood vessels. Propranolol is used to treat tremors, angina, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders and other heart or circulatory conditions.

Cortisone is in a class of anti-inflammatory drugs called steroids. The New York Langone Medical Center reports that cortisone shorts are effective in reducing pain and inflammation. According to Drugs.com, cortisone inhibits the release of substances that cause inflammation in the body, providing pain relief. Drugs.

Restasis is the brand name for cyclosporine A ophthalmic drops, used for chronic or severe dry eyes. Restasis is an anti-inflammatory medication that improves tear production that has been suppressed by chronic dry eye inflammation, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Lamictal, the brand name for lamotrigine, is a prescription seizure medication that can be used by patients older than 2 years of age. This medication can also be used to control bipolar disorder symptoms in adult patients.

The medication metformin is a drug in the biguanide family that is used to treat type 2 or adult-onset diabetes mellitus. Drugs.com notes that metformin is often the first prescribed medication for individuals with type 2 diabetes and may also be used in combination with other diabetes medications or insulin.

Extra Strength Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain reliever that temporarily reduces fever and relieves pain due to conditions like headache, muscular aches, arthritis, colds and flu. The active ingredient in Extra Strength Tylenol is acetaminophen.

Lisinopril is a medication in a class of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE inhibitors. According to PubMed Health, lisinopril works by decreasing certain chemicals in the body that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Aspirin is a medication that can be bought over-the-counter and is taken to relieve pain, lower a fever and fight inflammation. It is also used to lower risk of heart attack, stroke, heart disease and arthritis. However, side effects can occur from taking too much aspirin.

Benzedrine is another name for amphetamine and dexamphetamine. This is a highly addictive drug that was once the popular base of appetite suppressants sold over-the-counter in drug stores.

Psychiatrists and doctors may prescribe the generically named medication mirtazapine for the treatment of mental depression. It is known by the brand name Remeron in the United States, and Australians buy it with the brand name Axit.

Apranax (naproxen sodium) is a medication used to manage physical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (pelvic and back arthritis), gout and tendinitis. Apranax is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that decreases pain, stiffness and inflammation.