The Top 5 Polycystic Kidney Disease Medications to Avoid

Medications are an important part of treatment for polycystic kidney disease, as they help to manage your condition and prevent kidney damage. Unfortunately, many medications that are commonly used to treat other conditions can actually make PCKD worse if you’re not careful about which ones you choose. This article lists the top 5 medications that you should avoid if you have polycystic kidney disease.

1) Cystagon

Cystagon is a medication used for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. It is an FDA-approved drug that has been shown to reduce kidney cysts and improve blood pressure in some people with PKD. Cystagon can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage or failure, liver problems, high blood pressure and fluid retention. Cystagon should not be taken if you have a history of heart disease or have had a stroke in the last six months. You should also avoid this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

2) Cystaran

One of the most dangerous medications for polycystic kidney disease is Cystaran. It is a diuretic which is used to prevent fluid build up and help treat high blood pressure. It can be used in combination with other drugs such as spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, or triamterene. Unfortunately, this drug can also cause damage to the kidneys by causing kidney stones and worsening kidney function because it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. This means that it prevents your body from absorbing too much potassium so it will not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Yet because of this action, there are increased chances of developing hyperkalemia which can lead to arrhythmia and death.

3) Hetlioz

Hetlioz is a medication used for treating the symptoms of sleep disorders in people with narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. The drug is also used in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Hetlioz is not an appropriate treatment for polycystic kidney disease, and may even exacerbate the condition.

1) A study published in December 2010 found that Hetlioz can decrease kidney function in some patients with polycystic kidney disease who were already taking other medicines for their PKD. These patients need to be monitored closely by their doctors while taking Hetlioz.

4) Jynarque

Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that helps the kidney get rid of excess fluid. It does this by blocking the reabsorption of salt and water in the kidneys, which increases urine output. This medication has been used for about 50 years and it’s considered an effective treatment for polycystic kidney disease. However, there are some side effects that you may want to discuss with your doctor before beginning treatment. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure when standing up quickly. If any of these symptoms worsen or don’t go away over a period of two days, contact your doctor immediately.

5) Rogamid

Rogamid is a medication that can help slow the progression of polycystic kidney disease. It works by reducing protein loss in the urine and blood, and it can also reduce cysts in the kidneys. Rogamid is not recommended for use by patients with severely impaired liver function or those who are hypersensitive to it. Rogamid should not be used as a substitute for other treatments such as erythropoietin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or diuretics. Rogamid may cause side effects such as back pain, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Patients may require frequent blood tests during treatment with rogamid due to its potential risk of negative consequences on red blood cells.

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