Questions on OTC cold meds and antibiotics

[jodaer]

I think I really messed up. I came down with a bad cold. I tried to take care of it with OTC cold meds. Nothing worked and I finally went to Urgent care Tuesday. I have a raging ear/sinus infection. Doctor put me on Amox-Clav antibiotic. I've been taking it without checking side effects. Next Wednesday I'm scheduled for an angiogram so had labs yesterday for that. My renal numbers moved in the wrong way, not a lot but more than the usual ups and down I get. I looked up the Amox-Clav and it says do not take if severe CKD. I'm stage 4. I think this means me. I have a message out to my neph about that, but does anyone know about all the OC meds whether they are good or bad or a who the heck knows. Would just a few days on them make a big difference?

Thanks

[Darlenia]

Speaking as an observer (not a doctor), I think antibiotics are generally okay for CKD patients but the problem is the dosage amount. My husband was told that, since kidneys don't filter well at Stage IV, the medication can build up in your body, causing issues. I know my husband was often to told to cut back dosage amounts by half or to child size at Stage IV (and while on dialysis). Since you're sick, I suspect it's the infection itself which is impacting your labs, not so much the meds. I, personally, would wait for further instructions from your nephrologist. If he doesn't call you soon, reach out to your pharmacist. Crossing my fingers that you get direction soon (and that your ears/sinus infection goes away promptly).

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Yeah, anti-biotics suck for CKD. But what are going to do? Can't let the infection go and have it spread and get worse. So you got to take them. I agree with Darlenia. Less is more. If your doc did not prescribe a renal dose, then cut back but not off. Stay off OTC meds as much as you can.

[jodaer]

Thanks, I did hear back from my doctor, she said the amox was ok but to take care with the Sudafed. I think I will take 1 dose instead of 2

I feel better now, thanks to you gals.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

My Primary Doctor team, includes 1 who monitors my CKD, and they told me to cut back on a prescribed medicine have been taking for years as finding out now it could damage Kidneys. So have been cutting back on it.

[jodaer in reply to orangecity41]

Unfortunately many of our necessary meds affect our kidneys.

[Pepperthedog]

Hi Jodaer - Online advice to reduce the dose agrees with the other replies, despite some sites advising not to take them at all. I've avoided antibiotics for years except in the case of severe infection, but a few years ago did take Doxycyline for a chest infection, which was helpful. Your eGFR can fluctuate with the state of your general health, so it may be worth having another blood test soon - the drug should have left your body 12 hours after the final dose. And try not to worry, do some deep breathing every time you catch yourself - it will help keep your blood pressure down!

[FelineFandom146]

Hello Jodaer! One with CKD especially Later stages such as 4 and 5 must be careful with medications, all medications. I was in Stage 3B for years until April 2020 when in a weak moment I saw my PCP for an extremely painful UTi. I was put on a cocktail of meds including an antibiotic that no CKD patient should ever be put on, only finding out afterwards from my Nephrologist who wasn't available when I needed him. I went from Stage 3B down to Stage 4 and now for the last year down to Stage 5 with eGFR of 10.9. Lesson here: pay attention to everything you put into your body with CKD, especially OTC and even prescriptions. Run everything through your Nephrologist if they're available. Too late for me, but hopefully my experience helps others. Stay safe. I am trying to hold off on dialysis by following a strict whole food plant based Very Low Protein Diet as advised in Stopping Kidney Disease books by Lee Hull, and books by Dr. Dean Ornish.