CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
(CKD)
IS
SILENT
COMMON
HARMFUL
PREVENTABLE
&
TREATABLE !!!
Call 877-CKD-9009
Oakwood Kidney Institute
Medications
Common medications used in kidney failure are listed below:
Indications and goals of treatment are recommended by the National Kidney Foundation which can be accessed at the K/DOQI site.
Anemia
Erythropoietin (Procrit, Epogen, Aranesp) is used in a subcutaneous injection every 1-4 weeks to correct the anemia.
Iron (Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Fumarate, Venofer injection, Ferrilicit injection) is used to replete iron stores in the body to help erythropoietin produce red blood cells and correct the anemia.
Bone disease
Phosphorous binders (Oscal,Tums, Phoslo) are older medications used as phosphate binders. They are taken with food for proper action. Newer medications (Renagel, Fosrenol) are also phosphate binders which your doctor can consider prescribing on individual basis.
Parathyroid suppression (Rocaltrol, Hectrol, Calcijex, Sensipar) are prescribed to suppress the over-active parathyroid glands. These are given orally or intravenously during your dialysis.
Diabetes
All oral medications except Glucophage are acceptable in kidney failure. Lower doses may be required in kidney failure which can be adjusted with the help of your physician.
Insulin (Lantus, Regular, 70/30, Lente) can be prescribed by your physician in kidney failure. Lower doses may be required in kidney failure which can be adjusted with the help of your physician.
Hyperkalemia
Kayexalate is commonly prescribed to lower the potassium rapidly in your blood. High potassium is potentially dangerous (cardiac arrest) and has to be treated rapidly. Following a low potassium diet if prescribed by your physician is essential in maintaining your potassium in reasonable range.
Hypertension
Antibiotics
Many antibiotics need adjustment in kidney failure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Nutrition
Patients with poor nutrition are sometimes prescribed Megace to stimulate the appetite in addition to nutrition supplements.
Pain Meds
Patients are advised to avoid Darvocet if their kidney function is low. Other medications may need adjustment in dosage.
References
To get a list of drugs in the U.S with description of indications, dose and side effects, click here: