Medications to stop taking when you are sick

Taking certain medications when you are unwell and dehydrated can temporarily worsen your kidney function. This list, also known as a ‘sick day medication list’, provides advice about how to take your medications if you are unwell and have become dehydrated (dry). Dehydration may occur if you are unable to drink fluid, or if you have diarrhea or vomiting. 

If you cannot drink your normal amount of fluids, stop taking the medications listed below until you are able to start drinking fluids again (Contact your doctor or nurse if you have to stop taking your medications for more than 24-48 hours):

Medication Category Examples
Blood Pressure Pills
  •  ACE inhibitor
  • Angiotensin receptor blocker
  • These are medications ending in “pril” OR “sartan”. For example: ramipril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, losartan, irbesartan, candesartan, telmisartan, valsartan, olmesartan
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)
  • Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®, ASA®) (except ASA® 81 mg or a baby Aspirin®, these are ok to continue)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®) should not be taken if you have CKD
Diuretics (water pills)
  • Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, spironolactone, eplenerone, metolazone, triamterene, indapamide, amiloride, bumetanide
Metformin (a diabetes medication)
  • Metformin
Other Diabetes medications
  • Medications ending in “ide” and/or “flozin”. For example: gliclazide, glimepiride, glyburide, Canagliflozin (Invokana ®), dapagliflozin (Forxiga®), empagliflozin (Jardiance®)

 

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