Phosphorus binders are medications that help reduce the amount of phosphorus absorbed from food in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are commonly prescribed when blood phosphorus remains persistently elevated, particularly in advanced CKD or during dialysis. The two main categories are calcium-based binders and non-calcium binders. Calcium-based binders can lower phosphorus effectively, but … Read more
Allopurinol and febuxostat can both lower uric acid levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but kidney function affects how these medications should be prescribed and monitored. Allopurinol generally requires a lower starting dose when kidney function is reduced, while febuxostat has different dosing restrictions and important cardiovascular safety considerations. Neither medication should automatically … Read more
Metformin can often be used safely by people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its safety depends on kidney function, current health conditions, and appropriate dosing. The main concern is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication called metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA). Metformin is generally contraindicated when the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below 30 … Read more
Some herbal supplements can cause serious kidney damage, and people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be especially vulnerable. One of the most dangerous examples is aristolochic acid, a naturally occurring chemical found in certain medicinal plants. It can cause permanent kidney scarring and increase the risk of cancers of the urinary tract. However, not … Read more
The short answer Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids can relieve heartburn and indigestion, but some ingredients can build up in people with reduced kidney function. The risk depends on the ingredient, amount used, frequency, and severity of kidney disease. Three ingredients deserve particular attention: Having chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not mean every antacid is unsafe. However, … Read more
The short answer People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can often take blood thinners safely, but reduced kidney function can change how certain anticoagulants are processed and increase the risk of bleeding. The safest medication depends on kidney function, the reason for treatment, age, body weight, other medicines, and the person’s overall risk of bleeding … Read more
The short answer Cyclosporine and tacrolimus can harm kidney function, but the risk depends on the dose, duration of treatment, blood drug levels, and the patient’s overall health. Both medicines belong to a group called calcineurin inhibitors. They suppress the immune system and are commonly used to prevent kidney transplant rejection and treat certain immune-related … Read more
Long-term lithium treatment can reduce the kidneys’ ability to conserve water, causing excessive urination and thirst. This condition is called lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), also known as arginine vasopressin resistance. Lithium can also contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in some patients, but these are not the same complication. A person can develop difficulty … Read more
Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy medication, but it can injure the kidneys by damaging the cells responsible for filtering and processing waste. This complication is called cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The good news is that kidney injury is not inevitable. Proper intravenous hydration, careful kidney function monitoring, magnesium management, and appropriate treatment planning can substantially reduce the … Read more
Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase blood potassium levels, especially in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). When the kidneys cannot remove enough potassium, these medications may cause hyperkalemia—a condition in which potassium builds up in the bloodstream. This does not mean potassium-sparing diuretics are always unsafe for people with kidney disease. Some provide important benefits for … Read more