Medications in ESRD

Question 1

Sodium Bicarbonate

Answer 1

often used for treatment of metabolic acidosis, a condition that occurs due to the damaged kidney’s inability to synthesize ammonia and excrete hydrogen ions; taken orally; Sodium levels must be checked

Question 2

Cinacalcet HCl (Senispar)

Answer 2

a drug used for lowering the level of parathyroid
hormone (PTH) in the blood; elevated levels of
PTH if left untreated may lead to uremic bone disease; Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, and transient
low blood calcium levels

Question 3

Furosemide

Answer 3

diuretics; Side effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, frequent urination, and weakness

Question 4

Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Acetate

Answer 4

oral medications that are used to bind phosphate for preventing bone loss due to abnormally high phosphate levels in the blood. Side effects may include constipation, slow heart rate, and loss of appetite

Question 5

Treatment for depression in the dialysis patient:

Answer 5

> SSRI and TCA must be taken for 4-6 weeks to see the effects
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) must be used with caution in dialysis patients since they are excreted through the kidneys
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should be avoided due to potential for causing hypotension