Unfortunately, there are no approved treatments to reverse damage to the kidneys once it has been done. Treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) focuses primarily on the maintenance of kidney health and the prevention of disease progression.
Medications that your doctor may prescribe to prevent the worsening of CKD include:
High blood pressure medication, including:
- Diuretics, to help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body
- Anti-adrenergics, to limit the action of hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the speed and force of the heartΓÇÖs contraction.
- Direct-acting vasodilators, to relax the arteries (often used in emergency settings).
- Calcium channel blockers, to weaken heart contractions and dilate blood vessels.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, to take stress off the heart muscle by lowering blood pressure levels. This is among the most commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication for CKD patients.
- Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), to dilate blood vessels and stimulate salt and water retention.
- Direct renin inhibitors, to control blood vessel dilation.
For more information on high blood pressure treatment and medication, visit the High Blood Pressure/Hypertension condition center.
Diabetes-management medications to help manage blood sugar levels, including:
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- Biguanides
- DPP IV inhibitors
- Insulin
- Meglitinides
- Sulfonylureas
- Thiazolidinediones
For more information on diabetes treatment and medication, visit the Diabetes condition center [NOTE: hyperlink to Diabetes condition center]
Phosphate inhibitors, to regulate blood phosphate levels.
Nutritional supplements such as:
In addition to medication, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes. These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Regularly exercising
- Monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure
- Eating a diet low in cholesterol, fat, sodium, and potassium.
- Limiting fluid intake
