Medications used when you have kidney disease

Your care team will prescribe different medications depending on your stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other health considerations you may have. 

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:

• Loop diuretics, like bumetanide (Bumex®), furosemide (Lasix®), and torsemide (Demadex®)
• Thiazide diuretics, like chlorthalidone (Thalitone®), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide®), and metolazone (Zaroxolyn®)
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, like spironolactone (Aldactone®), eplerenone (Inspra®), amiloride (Midamor®), and 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 help 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.