Toxic substances that damage the kidneys are called:

Concept

Organ-targeted toxicity terms identify the tissue or organ system primarily harmed by a toxic agent.

The prefix names the target: nephro- refers to the kidney, hemato- to blood, neuro- to the nervous system, and cyto- to cells.

Application

The stem asks for the term used for toxic substances that damage the kidneys. Since nephro- denotes the kidney, such substances are described as nephrotoxic.

Contrast

• Hematotoxic refers to toxic effects on blood cells or blood-forming tissues.

• Neurotoxic refers to toxic effects on the nervous system.

• Cytotoxic refers broadly to agents that damage or kill cells.

• Nephrotoxic refers specifically to toxic effects on kidney tissue or kidney function.

Result

Therefore, the required term is nephrotoxic.