Medication precautions if you have chronic kidney disease

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 to protect you from kidney damage.

It is important to talk to your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products that you take. Some examples of common medicines that can cause problems include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:
  • Ibuprofen (for example, Advil).
  • Aspirin (for example, Excedrin).
  • Naproxen sodium (for example, Aleve).
  • Celecoxib (Celebrex).
• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) may be harmful if it is overused.
• Herbal products, which may not be safe to use.
• High blood pressure medicines, such as:
  • Hydralazine.
  • ACE inhibitors (for example, ramipril, captopril, and enalapril).
• Diuretics, such as:
  • Furosemide.
  • Chlorothiazide.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide.
• Antibiotics, such as:
  • Penicillins.
  • Sulfa drugs.
  • Cephalosporins.
• Medicines used to treat cancer, such as:
  • Cisplatin.
  • Cyclosporine.
  • Mitomycin.