Living with any kidney problem is stressful, especially when it comes to taking the right medications. Any drug can negatively affect the kidneys, but some are worse than others.
Knowing which medications are good for your kidneys and which aren’t is a key part of living with kidney disease. At Metro Renal Associates, our three experienced nephrologists specialize in chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and dialysis.
Whether you’re new to kidney issues or have a lot of experience, they offer various medications that are kidney-friendly to keep you healthy.
Medications come in a wide variety and help people manage chronic and acute medical conditions. Pain relievers, diuretics, and antidepressants are just a few types of common medications people take.
When you’re living with kidney disease, taking medications is usually essential to managing your health. However, some medications are harmful to kidney health, and they include:
Medications like naproxen or ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, especially at high doses or with long-term use. These may worsen chronic kidney disease and cause acute injury to the kidneys.
Diuretics, or water pills, reduce excess fluid in the body but also cause dehydration in people with kidney disease. They may also cause electrolyte imbalances, which additionally strain the kidneys.
Dyes that we use in imaging studies, like CT scans and MRIs, cause kidney damage, especially in those who have an eGFR below 30. Proper hydration is necessary to prevent kidney damage.
Lithium is a mental health drug people use for bipolar disorder. Without careful monitoring, it can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or chronic interstitial nephritis.
Proton pump inhibitors for heartburn cause kidney problems with prolonged use. If you need to take heartburn medication, H2 blockers are much safer.
Certain antibiotics, including vancomycin and aminoglycosides, cause direct damage to kidney cells. They often require dose adjustments, especially in patients with CKD, to avoid long-term damage.
Although kidney disease means you have to be careful with certain medications, there are a few that actually support kidney health. Medications that are actually good for your kidneys include:
Acetaminophen is the best pain reliever for those with kidney disease. It does not affect blood flow to the kidneys, making it safe for frequent use if necessary.
Blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs are generally safe for kidney patients because they slow CKD progression by reducing pressure within the kidneys. They’re especially good for people with proteinuria and high blood pressure.
SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes and are good for kidney health, even for those without type 2 diabetes.
It’s essential to always discuss your kidney health with your doctor when starting a new medication, staying hydrated, and understanding that medication adjustments and changes may be necessary to maintain healthy kidneys.
To learn more about kidney-friendly medications, call our Washington, D.C., or Capitol Heights offices, or visit our website to request an appointment online. Our team is ready to help you take the first steps toward better kidney health.
