Meds for kidney disease depend on the type and stage of kidney disease, kidney function, urine albumin levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions. There is no single medicine suitable for everyone. Common treatment groups for chronic kidney disease include ACE inhibitors or ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, and, for selected people, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and GLP 1 receptor agonists.
Treatment for chronic kidney disease generally focuses on slowing progression, managing its underlying causes, reducing cardiovascular risk, and treating complications. The appropriate medicines depend on laboratory results and a person's overall health.
Common medication categories include:
A healthcare professional may use one or several of these treatments depending on the individual's condition.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are commonly used to control blood pressure and protect kidney function, particularly when albumin is present in the urine. The National Kidney Foundation notes that these medicines can help protect both the kidneys and heart.
They may be considered when a person has:
Kidney function and potassium levels may need monitoring after starting or changing these medicines.
SGLT2 inhibitors have become an important part of modern CKD treatment. These medicines can provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits for certain people with chronic kidney disease and may be used even when diabetes is not present in appropriate patients.
When considering an SGLT2 inhibitor, healthcare professionals may review:
KDIGO is currently updating its CKD guideline to examine newer evidence on SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP 1 based therapies, and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in people with CKD without type 2 diabetes.
Other medications may be appropriate depending on the cause of kidney disease and associated health conditions. For some adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist such as finerenone may be considered when specific criteria are met.
GLP 1 receptor agonists may also be used for selected people with type 2 diabetes and CKD and can provide metabolic and cardiovascular benefits.
Other treatments may address:
Kidney disease can change the way medicines are processed by the body. As kidney function declines, some medications may accumulate and require dose adjustments or avoidance. The National Kidney Foundation recommends reviewing medications with a healthcare professional or pharmacist, particularly in more advanced CKD.
Helpful habits include:
Some commonly used medicines, including certain NSAID pain relievers, may be harmful to the kidneys when used inappropriately or for prolonged periods.
Meds for kidney disease vary according to the cause and stage of CKD and a person's other health conditions. ACE inhibitors and ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP 1 receptor agonists, and selected mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are among the modern therapies that may be used for appropriate patients.
Because kidney function can affect how medicines work and how safely they can be used, treatment should be individualized and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. People with CKD should also check before taking new over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements.