Having chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that your kidneys don’t function the way they should. Because of this, medications–both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)–can build up in your blood and become toxic, causing further damage to your kidneys and other organs. Learn which types of medications may need to be adjusted, or avoided, to prevent toxicity when you have CKD.*

Medications That Can Harm with CKD

While it’s not generally a good idea to suddenly stop taking medications that you take on a regular basis, when you have CKD it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any of the following: 

• Antacids. OTC medications used for heartburn and upset stomach relief, antacids can cause electrolyte imbalances that lead to complications in people with CKD. 
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics, along with antivirals and antifungals can harm your kidneys in several ways, so your doctor may or may not prescribe them, depending on your GFR (degree of kidney function).
• Cholesterol medications. Also called ‘statins,’ these drugs help lower the levels of cholesterol in your blood, but your dosage may need adjusting to protect your kidneys.
• Contrast dyes. Used for imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs, contrast dyes can cause acute kidney injury. Tell your doctor, as well as the radiologist, about your CKD prior to a test that uses contrast dye.
• Diabetes medications. While drugs that help control blood sugar are important to people wtih CKD, the dosage may need to be adjusted in order to avoid abnormally severe side effects.
• Dietary supplements. Many herbal and vitamin supplements contain minerals such as potassium or phosphorus that can overwhelm and damage kidneys, especially in high doses.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These OTC pain relievers reduce necessary blood flow to the kidneys. NSAIDs can also be found in many cold, cough, fever, and sleep medicines. 
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, PPIs may increase your risks for CKD, nutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis. People on dialysis are at even higher risk.

Speak With Your Doctor

Your kidneys’ primary function is to filter toxins, wastes, and excess fluids out of your blood and send them along to be flushed out in your urine. CKD changes the way your body is able to process, use, and discard different substances, so it’s important to ask your healthcare provider and your pharmacist about how the medications and supplements that you take might affect your CKD and overall health and safety. 

*Fresenius Kidney Care. (n.d.) Medications to Avoid or Adjust If You Have Chronic Kidney Disease. 

https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/thrive-central/medications-avoid-chronic-kidney-disease 

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