Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 1 2000
Everyday drug therapies affecting the kidneys
The kidneys clear many medicines from the body. Patients whose kidneys are not working properly may be unable to clear some medicines. They may need to take a lower dose of the medicine so that it does not build up inside the body.
Some medicines can damage the kidneys if the dose is too high. The elderly and people with diabetes or heart disease may be more at risk of kidney damage.
Many commonly used medicines, such as pain killers or treatments for blood pressure, can affect the kidneys. You need to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had kidney problems when they ask you to take a new medication.
Patient support organisation: Australian Kidney Foundation
