Medicines and your kidneys

Important Advice for Patients Taking Certain Medications

You have been given this information because you take one or more of the following medicines:

• ACE Inhibitors (ending in –pril):
  e.g. Enalapril, Lisinopril, Perindopril, Ramipril

• ARBs (ending in –sartan):
  e.g. Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan

• MRAs (ending in –one):
  e.g. Spironolactone, Eplerenone

• NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory painkillers):
  e.g. Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen

• Water Tablets (ending in –mide or –zide):
  e.g. Furosemide, Bumetanide, Bendroflumethiazide

• SGLT2 Inhibitors (ending in –gliflozin):
  e.g. Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin

• Other medicines (as advised by your clinician)

Why Is This Important?

These medications are helpful for managing your health, but if you become dehydrated, they can increase the risk of kidney problems. Common causes of dehydration include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• High fevers

• Not drinking enough fluids

What Should I Do If I Am Unwell?

If you develop vomiting, diarrhoea, or a fever and cannot drink normally:

1. Temporarily stop taking the medications listed above.

2. Restart your medication once you’re well and drinking normally—usually within 48 hours.

3. If you are still unwell after 48 hours, contact the surgery or NHS 111 for advice.

Extra Advice

• You can take paracetamol for pain or fever.

• Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen when dehydrated.

• Tell hospital staff about these medications if you’re admitted or due to have surgery or scans—some may need to be stopped beforehand.

Need Help?

This guidance has been developed with input from kidney specialists. If you’re unsure or have questions:

📞 Call us https://www.doncasterdoctor.co.uk/contact-us

🌐 Visit www.nhs.uk for more information

📞 Call NHS 111 (open 24/7) if you need urgent advice