Medications & kidney disease

Some medications, such as certain medications for blood pressure and diabetes, can actually slow down the damage to your kidneys. Each medication is given for a particular reason and should be taken as directed.

To get the full benefits of your medications, it's important to:

• take your medication as prescribed
• attend appointments with your doctor regularly and get any blood tests they order
• discuss with your doctor or kidney specialist if you have any problems with your medication and want to stop taking it. You should also not take any new medications, including over the counter medication, without talking to your doctor first.

Some medications can actually cause damage to your kidney health. These may need to be avoided, or taken at a lower dose, depending on your doctor's advice. These include:

• Alka Seltzer, baking powder and bubbling remedies, as they contain sodium (salt)
• milk of magnesia or antacids containing magnesium
• certain antibiotics and pain relief medication
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen
• enemas and laxatives, unless suggested by your doctor
• vitamins or food supplements, as they may contain potassium and magnesium
• some herbal and complementary medications, as they can interact with other medications you're taking
• contrast injections, if you have an MRI

If you're seeing a new doctor or health professional, be sure to tell them about your kidney condition, as this may influence their choice of medications and other treatments. for example, some medications are filtered through the kidney and can build up if you have end stage kidney disease. It is a good idea to know your percentage of kidney function or eGFR and make your health professional aware of it.

Overall, make sure you understand the medication you're taking, and talk to your doctor about any questions or problems you have. If you're taking medications outside of your kidney disease, including natural herbal remedies and vitamis, it's important that you check it won't negatively interact with your prescribed treatments first.

It can be useful to arrange a Home Medicines Review with your usual pharmacy, through a referral from your GP. It may also be valuable for you and your doctor to draft a sick day plan to avoid acute kidney injury.