Some regularly used medications may have a negative impact on your health if you have renal disease, while others may be capable of helping you avoid certain conditions. When buying over the counter medications from pharmacies, grocery stores, or clinics to treat minor symptoms, people with kidney problems may experience difficulties. This applies whether you have a transplant, dialysis, or impaired renal function.

In this blog, you’ll learn about over-the-counter medicine for kidneys, whether they are safe, which medication to avoid, and what to consider while buying OTC medications.

What are over-the-counter medicine for kidneys?

Over-the-counter, or OTC, medications are those that are sold directly to a customer without the need for a doctor’s prescription. OTC medications allow consumers to easily and cheaply treat ailments and relieve uncomfortable symptoms. However, knowledge, common sense, and accountability are necessary to use these medications safely.

Over-the-counter medicines for kidneys are purchased to relieve kidney problems without a prescription from your doctor. Many over-the-counter medicines can work for you and relieve your minor discomforts. At the same time, some medications available over the counter from pharmacies and other stores may not be appropriate for you, especially your kidneys.

The following problems may occur with over-the-counter medications:

• They might interfere with other medications you use.
• Some could worsen kidney function.
• Some products contain potassium, salt, or aluminum, which can be unhealthy for you.

Over-the-counter medicine for kidneys

All over-the-counter medications have the potential to be harmful because every medication you take into your body passes through your kidneys; as a result, you should only take them as directed on the label and contact your doctor with any questions.

Kidney damage may result from drugs that are unlawful or not used as prescribed by your doctor.

Over-the-counter medicines and kidney disease

Some of the commonly used over-the-counter medicines and their effects on kidneys are:

1.   Pain medications

Because of the bleeding issues that might develop when patients with kidney disease use aspirin, acetaminophen remains the medicine of choice for occasional usage. However, renal patients who require regular acetaminophen use should be under their doctor’s supervision and be careful to abstain from alcohol while taking this medication.

Pain medications to avoid in kidney disease

NSAIDs are typically safe for occasional use when used as prescribed, but you should avoid them if you have known decreased kidney function. If you take a lot of over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, your kidneys could be harmed. None of these medications should be taken consistently or daily without consulting a healthcare professional.

2.   Heartburn medication

Most over-the-counter heartburn medicines are safe to take sometimes. Speak with your primary care doctor if you experience heartburn every day. Magnesium accumulates in patients with kidney disease; hence magnesium-containing medications should be avoided.

3.   Laxatives on prescription

Most people can safely use over-the-counter laxatives, in general. However, the kidneys can be harmed by some prescription laxatives used for stool cleaning (often before a colonoscopy).

4.   Antibiotics

Inappropriate antibiotic administration might potentially be harmful. Less antibiotic dosage is required for those with kidney disease than for those with healthy kidneys. Take just the medications that have been prescribed to you by your doctor.

5.   Constipation medication

People with chronic kidney disease frequently experience constipation since iron and calcium supplements might result in this side effect. There’s a chance that you’re taking additional medications, including painkillers, which can make you constipated.

6.   High blood pressure

Prevent utilizing medications that include decongestants like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Decongestants have the potential to raise your blood pressure dangerously.

Medications to avoid if you’ve kidney disease

Several over-the-counter medications can be dangerous for those with impaired kidneys. Here they are:

• Ibuprofen
• Magnesium citrate
• Pseudoephedrine
• Sodium phosphorous solutions

The bottom line

You must consult your physician and know what to look for on pharmaceutical labels before visiting the pharmacy to purchase any over-the-counter medications.

When discussing over-the-counter medicines for kidney diseases with your doctor, you should consider the ingredients and any adverse effects. Before taking any prescription, vitamin, or dietary supplement, always see your doctor to ensure it is right for you. Depending on the severity of kidney disease, recommendations can change for each person.