Kidney Disease Medications
If you are diagnosed with kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe certain medications and vitamins to help you stay healthy and feel your best. These kidney disease medications, vitamins, and supplements can help keep your body in balance when your kidneys aren’t working properly.
Which kidney disease medications your doctor prescribes may depend on several personal health factors, including your level of kidney function, the stage of kidney disease you are in, and whether you are being treated for any other medical conditions that may affect the health of your kidneys.
6 Common Kidney medications
As with any new medication, it’s important to understand what it does and how to take it. If you have questions about a medication you have been prescribed, talk to your doctor.
- Erythropoietin – is a hormone naturally produced by healthy kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells to deliver oxygen to your body. With kidney disease, the kidneys may not produce enough of this hormone, causing anemia (low red blood cell count), which reduces the body’s supply of oxygen and makes you feel weak and tired. Your doctor may prescribe synthetic erythropoietin to help keep your blood healthy.
- Diuretics – are medicines that help your body get rid of excess fluid. Too much fluid in the body can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Some people with kidney disease develop swelling (edema) when the kidneys cannot remove enough fluid, and the swelling increases as kidney disease progresses. Taking diuretics can help reduce fluid levels in the body and may lower blood pressure.
- Blood pressure medications – used to lower blood pressure and slow the progression of kidney disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the leading cause of kidney disease. There are many types of blood pressure medications, so your doctor will determine the right one for you.
- Phosphate Binders – Also called phosphorus binders, they help prevent your body from absorbing phosphorus (P) from the foods you eat. Your doctor will prescribe the amount of phosphate binder you need to maintain optimal health based on your kidney function level.
- Sodium bicarbonate – Commonly known as the active ingredient in baking soda, your doctor may prescribe it in pill form to help balance the acidity in your blood. It is very important not to take sodium bicarbonate unless prescribed by your doctor.
Cholesterol medications – help lower cholesterol and prevent blood vessels from becoming clogged. When too much cholesterol accumulates, it prevents the normal flow of blood to certain parts of the body, including the kidneys. If your doctor determines that you need a cholesterol medication, he or she can prescribe one that is safe for people with kidney disease to take.
Why do I need vitamins and supplements to treat kidney disease?
Your body needs certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, get energy from food, and perform important functions. Kidney disease can change how your body uses vitamins and minerals, and a kidney-friendly diet may also change the amounts of vitamins and minerals you get from food.
Like any new medication, it’s important to understand what vitamins and supplements do and how to take them. If you have questions about vitamins or supplements prescribed by your doctor, talk to your doctor.
It’s important to know that if you have dialysis, your medication and vitamin needs may be different. If your care plan changes, discuss any changes you need to make with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements or medications
Because kidney disease can change the way your body processes certain substances, it’s important to discuss any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking (whether they’re new or ones you’ve been taking) with your doctor often. Certain medications, including traditional medicines and even herbal medicines, can be harmful at any stage of kidney disease. Talking with your doctor can make sure you protect your kidney health.