Allergy Medications (also called Antihistamines)
It is safe to take most over the counter allergy medications in the normal doses as they are eliminated from your body through the liver. If you have liver problems check with your pharmacist or physician first before using.
Recommended Allergy Medications which do not cause drowsiness are preferred:
- Loratidine (Claritin®)
- Certirizine (Reactine®, Zyrtec®)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra®)
- Desloratadine (Aerius®)
Recommended Allergy Medications which may cause drowsiness:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Tripolon®)
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem for people receiving dialysis as both iron tablets and calcium tablets can cause this side effect. In addition, you may be on other medications, which can cause constipation (for example, Tylenol #3®, Percocet®).
If you are taking a medicine on a daily basis which can cause constipation you should also take a stool softener once or twice daily to prevent constipation. You do not need to take this with lots of additional fluid which is often recommended. If you are already constipated you can take a stimulant laxative. After the constipation is relieved go back to taking your stool softener daily. Do not use the stimulant laxative on a daily basis as your bowels will become used to the laxative and will not move on their own.
Stool Softener
- Docusate Capsules (Surfak®, Colace®)
Stimulant Laxatives
- PEG 3350 (Restoralax®)
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®)
- Senna glycosides (Senokot®)
- Lactulose syrup
Avoid
- Milk of Magnesia®
- Magnesium citrate solution
- Fleet Phospho-Soda®
Cough & Cold Medicine
It is safe to take most cough and cold medications, except if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. For more information visit the Coughs, Cold and Flu page.
Diarrhea
You can take Loperamide (Imodium®) tablets for diarrhea in the usual dose. Do not take more than eight tablets per day.
Heartburn
Most over the counter medications for heartburn are fine to use occasionally. If you find that you are using heartburn medication every day you should contact your physician. There may be a more serious problem such as an ulcer, and many of the medications used to treat heartburn have ingredients which, if used often, can accumulate in people with kidney disease.
Fine to take occasionally
- Amphogel®
- Gaviscon ® containing alginic acid
- Tums ®
Avoid
- Maalox ®
- or any other products containing magnesium
Herbal Products
Herbal products may interact with the other medications you are taking. You should check with the dialysis pharmacist or physician before using.
Pain Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is safe to use. If you have liver problems you should check with your pharmacist or physician first. Do not take more than 12 regular strength tablets or eight extra strength tablets per day. Acetaminophen will relieve pain and fever but NOT inflammation.
Ibuprofen or aspirin will relieve pain, fever, AND inflammation and are fine to use occasionally. If you have a history of ulcers or a stomach bleed you should try to avoid these medications.
Sleep
Most over the counter sleep medicines are just allergy medications which cause drowsiness. They are not often very effective. Melatonin 3mg daily at bedtime has been shown to be effective and safe in hemodialysis patients in a short-term study.
If you have problems with sleeping contact your physician or nurse practitioner.
Vitamins
Your Replavite® tablet is a good multivitamin for people on dialysis as it provides the vitamins which dialysis can remove. It contains B Vitamins, Folic Acid, and a small amount of Vitamin C.
Vitamins to Avoid and Why
- Other multivitamins often contain Vitamins and Minerals which can build up in people with kidney problems, for example potassium and phosphate.
- Vitamin C, can accumulate and cause damage to body organs.
- Vitamin A, can accumulate and cause anemia as well as effect cholesterol and calcium levels.
