Chronic Kidney Disease: Medicines to Be Careful With

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:
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Acetaminophen and aspirin. These may be harmful if overused. They are usually safe in small amounts.
• Herbal supplements. They can contain minerals like potassium that are harmful for people who have kidney disease. Many herbs can interact with prescription medicines.
• 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.