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Chronic Kidney Disease: Medicines to Be Careful With

Overview

Many medicines may impair kidney function and cause kidney damage. If you have chronic kidney disease, your doctor may advise you to continue to take a medicine but may change how much you take. Or you may change to a different medicine. Make sure you talk with your doctor before you start or stop any medicine.

Medicines that may need to be avoided, adjusted, or changed include:

  • Pain medicines, including:
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
    • Acetaminophen and aspirin may be harmful if overused. They are usually safe in small amounts.
  • Natural health products. They can contain minerals like potassium that are harmful for people who have kidney disease. Many herbs can interact with prescription medicines.
  • Statin medicines, such as lovastatin and simvastatin.
  • Diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin.
  • Heartburn and upset-stomach medicines, such as Milk of Magnesia and Alka-Seltzer.
  • Antimicrobial medicines, including some antibiotics, anti-fungal, and antiviral medicines.

If you get sick (throwing up, diarrhea, fever), you may need to stop taking some of your medicines until you are well again. Ask your doctor which medicines to pause when you are sick.

Credits

Adaptation Date: 3/7/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.