What Drugs Help Kidney Function?

Chronic kidney disease makes it difficult for the kidneys to carry out their normal functions. Normal kidneys filter wastes from the blood and maintain normal levels of fluid and electrolytes. Several drugs improve the function of these vital organs.

Drug Classes

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) slow the progression of kidney disease, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Function

• ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, relaxing the blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. Angiotensin receptor blockers block the effects of angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels and eliminating excess salt from the bloodstream.

Medications

• Quinapril, ramipril, captopril, fosinopril, lisinopril, enalapril and benazepril are ACE inhibitors. Candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, eprosartan, telmisartan, olmesartan and valsartan are angiotension receptor blockers.

Effectiveness

• ACE inhibitors are particularly effective when used in diabetics with microalbumin in their urine. The ACE Inhibitors in Diabetic Nephropathy Trialist Group determined that these drugs were most effective in patients with higher amounts of microalbumin in the urine. Researchers from the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis determined that valsartan reduced the risk of first morbid events (hospitalization for heart failure or sudden death) in participants with chronic kidney disease. Their study appeared in the October 20, 2009, issue of the journal Circulation.

Warning

• Tell your doctor about every prescription medication, vitamin, mineral or herbal supplement you take. ACE inhibitors can interact with diuretics and supplements that contain potassium, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Cerner Multum reports that angiotensin receptor blockers like valsartan can interact with spironolactone, amiloride, sodium phosphate, sodium biphosphate, triamterene and tizanidine.