In our last blog, we discussed the impact of various health conditions on your kidneys. We wanted to round out that discussion by exploring different medications that impact kidney health. It’s important to have a general knowledge of kidney health contraindications so that you can ensure you’re making smart decisions when it comes to medications. You may be surprised to find that different medications, ranging from over-the-counter to prescription, can have adverse effects on your kidney health and function. Read on to learn about some common medications that impact kidney health.
Over the Counter Pain Relievers
The next time you have a headache, you may want to think twice before heading to your medicine cabinet. Many over-the-counter pain relievers, known as NSAIDs, can be harmful to your kidneys. Pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium are commonly used to reduce inflammation and fever, but they’re also known as medications that impact kidney health.
For people with decreased kidney function or kidney disease, aspirin may increase the tendency to bleed, which is why it’s best to avoid aspirin altogether. An exception to this is patients who take low doses of aspirin as a way to prevent heart attacks, as recommended by their doctor. As a general rule of thumb, if you have kidney problems, you should avoid NSAID pain relievers. Your doctor can discuss different methods of pain relief that are safe for your kidney health.
Diuretics
Diuretics, also known as water pills, are frequently prescribed to treat health conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. While caring for your heart and blood pressure is important for the health of your kidneys, it’s important to share any kidney problems you may have before starting a diuretic. Forms of diuretics include Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide (Lasix), Spironolactone (Aldactone), and Triamterene (Dyrenium), all of which are medications that impact kidney health if taken in high doses.
Water pills lower blood volume, which can disrupt the kidney’s filtration process. They can also lead to dehydration. The most severe side effect of diuretics is the risk of acute kidney injury, which is more common in older adults. While many diuretics are generally well-tolerated, for those with kidney problems, it’s important to ensure you’re not doing more harm than good.
Anti-acids
Anti-acids are another staple in medicine cabinets all across the country, which is why it’s essential to know how these medications impact your kidneys. Anti-acids are often used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, but the sodium bicarbonate found in some anti-acid brands can be harmful to those with pre-existing kidney conditions. Sodium bicarbonate affects blood pressure and circulation, both of which are integral to kidney function. It’s also recommended that you take note of which anti-acids use sodium bicarbonate, as high intakes of sodium can be problematic for people with liver or kidney problems. If you are following a sodium-controlled or low-sodium diet, or if you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor about alternate treatments for acid reflux or heartburn.
Cholesterol Medications/Statins
High cholesterol and high blood pressure come hand-in-hand, which is why you may be surprised to find that certain cholesterol medications impact kidney health. More specifically, the dosing of certain medications, often referred to as “statins,” may need to be noted and adjusted if you have chronic kidney disease. Statins may also increase the risk of diabetes, which is a common complication for those with kidney disease. If you are at risk for kidney problems or diabetes, make sure you speak to your doctor before starting any cholesterol medications.
Contact Durham Nephrology
Knowing which medications impact kidney health is important to making the right choices for your body. We know it can be overwhelming to keep everything straight when it comes to chronic kidney disease, but the team at Durham Nephrology is here to help. We are here to help you with your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have along the way. Get in touch with us online, or give us a call to schedule an appointment with a kidney specialist.
