OTC chilly and flu drugs might include a number of lively substances in a single components, a few of which might not be secure for individuals with FSGS.
For instance, oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can increase blood stress and have an effect on the kidneys.
Some mixture drugs additionally include NSAIDs, which may additional injury the kidneys.
Secure to Use
Safer OTC chilly, flu, and allergy drugs, in keeping with Gershman and Ngo-Hamilton, embody:
- dextromethorphan (comparable to Delsym)
- guaifenesin (comparable to Mucinex)
- loratadine (comparable to comparable to Claritin)
- cetirizine (comparable to Zyrtec)
- fexofenadine (comparable to Allegra)
For nasal congestion, saline nasal sprays, which can be found OTC, are a very good choice as a result of they normally include no medicine and don’t have an effect on the kidneys or blood stress, says Ngo-Hamilton.
For fever and physique aches, acetaminophen stays the safer OTC choice, however examine labels fastidiously as a result of acetaminophen is discovered in lots of chilly and flu mixture merchandise.
Taking multiple product with acetaminophen can improve the chance of liver issues, particularly for those who exceed the really helpful day by day dose, Ngo-Hamilton says.
A few of these drugs might require dose changes relying in your kidney operate.
That is one purpose why it’s essential to examine together with your nephrologist or pharmacist earlier than beginning any new medicine.
Keep away from
Oral decongestants to keep away from, Diaz says, embody:
- pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
You must also keep away from mixture chilly and flu drugs that include these oral decongestants, Diaz says. These embody:
- DayQuil Chilly & Flu
- Theraflu Daytime Extreme Chilly and Cough
In case you take an antihistamine for allergy symptoms, persist with the plain components. Merchandise with a D within the title, comparable to Allegra-D, Claritin-D, and Zyrtec-D, include an oral decongestant and ought to be prevented.
Ngo-Hamilton recommends avoiding mixture chilly and flu drugs that include NSAIDs, comparable to:
- Advil Chilly and Sinus
- Advil Multi-Symptom Chilly and Flu
- Sudafed Sinus 12-Hour Stress + Ache
Ask Your Physician First
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is usually secure for most individuals with FSGS however ought to be used with warning, says Diaz, as a result of it may possibly trigger urinary retention (the lack to utterly empty your bladder) and extended drowsiness in individuals with extra superior power kidney illness.
Ask your nephrologist whether or not it’s applicable earlier than utilizing it.
