Medicines Affecting Kidneys
When we are hurt, medications alleviate the pain and aid in the battle against infection. On the other hand, incorrect usage of some drugs might harm your kidneys. The following medication should be used with caution to safeguard your kidney health:
Antibiotics
For people with kidney problems, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and other antibiotics can be harmful and may cause more damage. A lower dosage of antibiotics is required for those with renal disease compared to those with healthy kidneys. The appropriate dose will be determined by your physician based on your age, weight, and degree of renal disease. Additionally, never attempt to treat an illness at home with unused antibiotics. If you are unwell, visit your physician for a prescription.
Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Taking excessive doses of aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can harm the kidneys. They can also induce high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, stomach ulcers, and bleeding. Before taking any of these medications on a regular basis, you must consult with your doctor. Each year, thousands of people undergo chronic kidney failure (up to 5% of total cases) as a result of the overuse of pain medications.
Antibiotics and Other Digestive Aids
Over-the-counter antacids can destabilize the electrolyte balance in certain people with chronic renal disease. Your doctor can advise you on which medications are safe to use and when to take them. Your doctor may suggest other medications to treat heartburn or assist you with non-pharmaceutical options
Medications for High Blood Pressure
With prolonged use, medications such as captopril (marketed under the brand name Capoten) can induce renal damage. Consult your doctor to see if this is a medication that is suitable for you. Because blood pressure regulation is critical for people with kidney illness, a different medicine may be prescribed instead.
Constipation
For people with chronic renal problems, constipation is a standard problem, as both iron and calcium supplements can cause this side effect. You may also be taking additional medications, such as pain relievers, that might cause constipation. If you take medication that can cause constipation on a daily basis, you should also take medication that can prevent it. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate drug for you. It is not necessary to take this with a lot of extra fluid, as is commonly recommended.
Medications For Allergies (Also Called Antihistamines)
At lesser doses, most over-the-counter allergy medicines are safe. Before taking an antihistamine, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about your liver problems. Other antihistamines are less sedating than products containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid are all drugs used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux. They reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, but studies have shown that taking them for an extended period of time increases your chances of having significant renal problems, including kidney failure.
Other medications for heartburn known as H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) are less likely to induce these side effects. Make sure you ask your doctor if switching to a different drug might be better for you.
Health Supplements
Some supplements, such as wormwood oil, may be harmful to your kidneys. Consult your physician about all of the supplements you’re taking to ensure they’re not harming your health in any way.
Laxatives
Crystals can form in your kidneys from over-the-counter or prescription medications, causing damage or failure. This is particularly true for those containing oral sodium phosphate, or OSP.
If you already have kidney disease, other drugs may be dangerous.
Certain medicines can aggravate or lead to renal failure if your kidneys have already been damaged. Consult your physician before beginning any cholesterol or diabetic medication, antacid medication for an upset stomach, or antimicrobial medications such as antifungal or antiviral medications. In some situations, you may be able to take a lower amount that is less hazardous to your health.
Before undergoing certain types of imaging examinations, you should consult with your doctor
Doctors may occasionally employ a dye during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan to help them see a specific area of your body more clearly. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis are significant disorders caused by this dye in rare situations (NSF). Consult your physician about alternate tests that may be performed instead.
At Galaxy, our state-of-the-art clinical laboratories can assist in discovering a wide range of illnesses that can be cured fully or at least slowed down with the use of modern diagnostics and technology.
As is the case with any medical issue, you should consult your physician about the medications you take on a daily basis. Follow your doctor’s advice to avoid future kidney damage and to achieve significant medical results. You can reduce the symptoms of renal illnesses while avoiding further damage if you follow the instructions.
Have you recently discussed your medications and dietary requirements with your doctor? At Galaxy, you can avail complementary Doctor and Dietician consultation, included in Health Packages.
Concerned about the function of your kidneys?
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