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What OTC Cold Meds Can I Use With One Kidney?

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be particularly risky for people with a single kidney. Whole categories of cold remedies and pain relievers may be off-limits. Fortunately, simple guidelines can help you protect your health. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

  1. Blood Pressure

    • OTC drugs that raise blood pressure can be dangerous for patients with one kidney, because elevated blood pressure can destroy the glomeruli, which are the tiny capillary filters in the kidney.

    Warning: Antihistamines

    • If blood pressure is an issue, stay away from drugs that contain antihistamines or pseudoephedrine. This includes many products, such as Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Elixir, Chlorpheniramine, Dramamine, Benadryl, Nytol, Sominex, Vicks NyQuil, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine, Alavert, Claritin and Zyrtec.

    Warning: NSAIDS

    • The acronym NSAID stands for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs are generally ill-advised, because they are metabolized by the kidneys.

    Acceptable Alternatives

    • The most common NSAID is ibuprofen. You should consult your doctor before taking Advil, Genpril, Nuprin or other over-the-counter ibuprofen preparations for aches and pains caused by colds.

    Alternatives

    • Aspirin and acetaminophen are acceptable OTC alternatives. Likewise, some preparations of Dimetapp may be helpful with cold symptoms.

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