What Medications Are Harmful for Chronic Kidney Disease?

When managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), it’s often easy to overlook the impacts of various medications on your kidney health. Whether you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, Dr. Sadeddin and his team at Texas Advanced Renal Health are here to offer guidance to safeguard your kidney health. Our goal is to ensure your kidneys function as well as possible for as long as possible. 

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Your kidneys are essential organs that filter waste and excess fluid from your blood and urine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic condition characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. As CKD progresses, the ability of the kidneys to filter waste and fluids diminishes, leading to the build-up of toxins in the body, which poses a significant health risk. 

Symptoms of CKD often develop slowly and can include fatigue, high blood pressure, swollen ankles or feet, frequent urination, nausea, anemia, and bone disease. Without effective treatment and management, CKD can lead to kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival. 

Which Medications Should You Avoid with Chronic Kidney Disease?

When diagnosed early on, CKD can be successfully managed with medications and lifestyle changes. However, there are some medications patients with CKD should avoid or use with caution. These may include but are not limited to the following: 

• Pain Medications: Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can be harmful to your kidneys. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, which can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Moreover, certain pain medications can build up in the body, potentially worsening kidney function in patients with CKD.
• Antimicrobial Medication: Some antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral medications can be toxic to the kidneys. Make sure to consult with Dr. Saddedin before starting any of these medications. 
• Statins: Statins are often prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels. Depending on your unique needs, we may need to adjust your dosage to protect your kidney function. 
• Diabetes Medications: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney damage, so it’s important for patients to control their blood sugar levels. Depending on the stage of CKD, adjusting medication dosages may be necessary to preserve kidney function. 
• Antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medications for heartburn, upset stomach, and acid reflux may interfere with the electrolyte balance, which can be problematic for patients with CKD. Make sure to consult with Dr. Saddedin before taking any of these medications. 
• Diuretics: While helpful in managing fluid retention, some diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances and kidney function deterioration if not monitored closely. One potential side effect of diuretics is acute kidney injury, especially in older adults.  

CKD Management in McKinney, TX

If you are diagnosed with CKD, contact Texas Advanced Renal Health to schedule a consultation. Dr. Sadeddin and his dedicated team will work with you to slow the progression of CKD. Remember to always consult our team before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medication, vitamins, or supplements. We may recommend dosage adjustments or avoiding some medications to safeguard your kidney health. We invite you to call 972-548-4833 to visit us online to schedule your appointment today!