What medications treat kidney disease?
Discover how to manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the right medications. Learn about ACE inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, diuretics, and more to support kidney health.
How do kidney disease medications work?
Your care team may prescribe different medications depending on your stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other health conditions you may have. These medications can help protect your kidneys, manage symptoms and related health conditions, and support your overall health.
Types of medications for kidney disease
ACE inhibitors and ARBs
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are commonly used medications to lower blood pressure and help with heart conditions and kidney disease.
Common ACEi and ARB medications:
- Lisinopril (Zestril®)
- Benazepril (Lotensin®)
- Valsartan (Diovan®)
- Losartan (Cozaar®)
SGLT2 inhibitors
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a newer group of medications that can be helpful for CKD. They may also be beneficial if you have protein in your urine, heart disease, or congestive heart failure.
Common SGLT2 inhibitors:
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga®)
- Canagliflozin (Invokana®)
GLP-1 RAs
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are used to help manage diabetes. They may also be beneficial for CKD, heart health and weight loss.
Common GLP-1 RAs:
- Liraglutide (Victoza®)
- Semaglutide (Ozempic®)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
Diuretics
Diuretics, also called water pills, are used to remove extra fluid from your body by helping the kidneys get rid of salt and water. They also help lower blood pressure.
There are three classes of diuretics:
| Diuretic class | Sample medications |
|---|---|
| Loop diuretics | Bumetanide (Bumex®), furosemide (Lasix®), torsemide (Demadex®) |
| Thiazide diuretics | Chlorthalidone (Thalitone®), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide®), metolazone (Zaroxolyn®) |
| Potassium-sparing diuretics | Spironolactone (Aldactone®), eplerenone (Inspra®), amiloride (Midamor®), triamterene (Dyrenium®) |
Phosphorus binders
Because phosphorus is filtered by the kidneys, people with CKD can have problems managing their phosphorus levels. Phosphorus binders help lower phosphate levels in the body if you are having trouble managing your phosphorus through diet changes. Your care team will help you determine the best way to take your prescribed binders.
Phosphate binders include:
- Calcium acetate (PhosLo®)
- Lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol®)
- Sevelamer (Renvela®)
Other common medications to manage CKD
- Blood pressure medication for high blood pressure and/or protein in your urine
- Blood sugar medication for high blood sugars (diabetes)
- Cholesterol medication to reduce cholesterol and protect your heart
- Electrolyte supplements or binders to keep levels normal
- Vitamin and mineral supplements to keep levels normal
- Bicarbonate supplements to help correct acid buildup
- Medications to keep potassium levels normal
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to help make more red blood cells
- Iron supplements to improve iron levels and anemia
Talk to your care team before starting or stopping any medications.
We are here to help
Reach out to your care team for support and to get your medication questions answered.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.
Julie Dominguez, MD
Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health
Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.