2016 Over-the-Counter Medications & Chronic Kidney Disease Renal Program www.nshealth.ca
Cough or cold oxymetazoline, xylometazoline sprays (Claritin, Otrivin, Dristan ) Do not use for more than 5 days guaifenesin (Benylin Mucus & Phlegm, Buckley s Cough Mucus & Phlegm) If diabetic, use sugar-free syrups (check label) lozenges If diabetic, use sugar-free type dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM ) pseudoephedrine (Sudafed ) phenylephrine (Neocitran, Dimetapp ) Fever or pain Can increase blood pressure acetaminophen (Tylenol ) Do not take more than 2600 mg in 24 hours unless your healthcare provider told you it is OK - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin ) naproxen (Aleve ) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at doses higher than 81 mg (Aspirin, Anacin ) codeine (Tylenol #1 ) Can increase risk of bleeding, increase blood pressure, and harm your kidneys Can build up and cause toxic side effects
Allergies (Adjust dose for kidney disease) loratadine Take 10 mg every (Claritin ) other day desloratadine Take 5 mg every (Aerius ) other day. cetirizine Take 5 mg once a (Reactine ) day. diphenhydramine (Benadryl ) Can cause drowsiness Upset stomach or heartburn (Adjust dose for kidney disease) ranitidine Take 75 mg daily (Zantac ) (after dialysis) famotidine Take 10 mg daily (Pepcid ) (after dialysis) calcium carbonate (Tums ) May also be required for phosphate binding aluminum/ magnesium (Maalox, Gaviscon, Rolaids, Diovol ) sodium (Alka-Seltzer ) These minerals can build up and cause undesirable side effects Can build up and cause an increase in blood pressure Nausea or vomiting (Adjust dose for kidney disease) Dimenhydrinate (Gravol )
Diarrhea loperamide (Immodium ) attapulgite (Kaopectate ) bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol ) Can cause imbalance of body minerals Higher risk of bleeding Constipation polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Lax-A- Day ) sennosides (Senokot ) bisacodyl (Dulcolax ) lactulose magnesium (Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Magnolax ) phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda ) These minerals can build up and cause undesirable side effects Multivitamins renal vitamin (Replavite ) adult multivitamins Can build up and cause toxic side effects
Creams and ointments menthol, camphor, capsaicin (Lakota, Tiger Balm ) hydrocortisone 0.5% (Emo-Cort ) emollients with urea, petrolatum, - or glycerin (Glaxal Base, Uremol ) petroleum jelly (Vaseline ) Don t use diclofenac (Voltaren ) salicylate (Bengay, Myoflex, Flexall, Rub-A535 ) In large quantities, can increase risk of bleeding, increase blood pressure, and can harm your kidneys Herbal products Stay AWAY from ALL herbal products or natural health products as these products can build up and cause toxic side effects. guide Less than 10 11-20 21-30 More than 30
*Do not take any of the medications in the Don t Take sections unless a healthcare provider on your nephrology team told you it is OK. If you are vomiting (throwing up), have diarrhea, or you can t drink or eat normally, contact your healthcare provider. Always check with your nephrologist or pharmacist before using or stopping any medication. Tell your pharmacist that you are on dialysis to make sure your medications are safe and you are taking the right amount. Looking for more health information? This pamphlet and all our active patient pamphlets are searchable here: http://bit.ly/nshapamphlets Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazines, and other resources. For more information go to http://library.novascotia.ca Nova Scotia Health Authority promotes a smoke-free, vape-free, and scentfree environment. Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you! Nova Scotia Health Authority www.nshealth.ca Prepared by: NSHA Renal Program Designed by: Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone Patient Education Team Printed by: Dalhousie University Print Centre The information in this brochure is for informational and educational purposes only. The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider. WQ85-1636 Created July 2016 The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years or as needed.