Patients With Kidney Disorder Take Note! 5 Medications to Avoid if You Have CKD

Some medications can actively harm kidneys when people have chronic kidney disease or CKD. Taking the wrong medication can often speed up kidney damage and cause more serious problems later.

Patients need to know which drugs attack kidneys before choosing any medication every time. Doctors and patients must talk about risks to avoid harm from common medication types. This article will show five medicines to avoid and help protect kidneys from CKD.

The Dangerous Five: Medicines You Should Avoid in CKD

In a video posted by ANIRBAN BISWAS CLINIC FOR DIABETES on YouTube, doctors list five risky medicines that CKD patients must avoid right now to safeguard kidney health today everyone.

1. NSAIDs (Painkillers)

NSAIDs are painkillers that reduce inflammation and fever. NSAIDs often worsen kidney function and raise blood pressure. Examples include diclofenac, indomethacin, ketorolac, piroxicam, aceclofenac, nimesulide, and ketoprofen.

2. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Aminoglycoside antibiotics treat infections but can damage kidneys. In CKD, they increase toxins and impair function. Examples include amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, netilmicin, streptomycin, and kanamycin.

3. Contrast Dye Used in Imaging Procedures

Contrast dye aids imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. However, in CKD, it can cause contrast-induced nephropathy and worsen kidney function. Inform doctors about CKD before using contrast dye.

4. Metformin

Metformin is a diabetes medication that controls blood sugar. In patients, it can build up and lead to lactic acidosis, a dangerous condition. Avoid metformin when kidneys are impaired.

5. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid but harm the kidneys. PPI use can raise kidney damage risk. Common PPIs include omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole.

Ask the doctor for safer options.

Understanding CKD: What It Is and How These Drugs Make It Worse?

Chronic kidney disease often means a gradual loss of kidney function over several years. Damaged kidneys cannot filter waste well, leading to toxins gradually building up in the blood. Painkillers and certain drugs can often worsen kidney health and speed disease progression. 

Knowing harmful drugs helps patients protect their kidneys and avoid faster possible serious health decline. Early stages may show few symptoms, so timely regular tests are vital for detection.

Why Avoiding These Medications Can Save Your Kidneys?

Avoiding risky drugs stops further kidney damage and helps maintain better kidney overall health. Safer alternatives exist for pain, infection, acid reflux, and diabetes care needs widely available. 

Discuss any drug plan with your doctor to ensure safer and more effective treatment options. Changing to safer drugs can slow kidney decline and improve quality of life significantly. Timely drug choices reduce the risk of dialysis and help people live healthier and longer. 

By avoiding harmful drugs, patients often can protect their kidneys and significantly slow disease progression. Stay informed and work with doctors to ensure safe drug use and healthier kidney outcomes.