ADPKD often leads to the kidneys not working as well as usual, especially as people get older. This is known as reduced kidney function or chronic kidney disease.

If you have ADPKD and reduced kidney function, some drugs might be unsuitable for you. You might also need to take some medicines at a lower dose than standard. Your doctor can advise you on this.

If you have reduced kidney function, you should only use these medicines if your doctor says it’s okay:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers, for example:
  • ibuprofen (Nurofen®, Advil®, Brufen® and other brands)
  • diclofenac (Voltarol® and other brands)
  • high doses of aspirin
• treatments for indigestion that contain potassium, aluminium, sodium or magnesium
• a medicine for heartburn (acid reflux) called cimetidine (Tagamet® and other brands)
• decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed® and other brands)
• any medicine that you dissolve in water that fizzes (an effervescent) as these tend to contain sodium

If you have good kidney function, your doctor might say some of these medicines are okay for you to use. Never use them without checking first with a doctor or pharmacist.

There may be other medicines you need to avoid that are not listed here. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicines.

Low doses of aspirin are 150 mg a day or less.

A doctor may advise you to take low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of:

• cardiovascular disease (if you’re at increased risk)
• a problem called pre-eclampsia that can occur during pregnancy

Experts say all women with ADPKD who are pregnant should take low-dose aspirin from week 12 to 36 of pregnancy.

Only take low-dose aspirin if a doctor advises you to. They’ll explain the risks and benefits. Only take aspirin at the dose they recommend and for as long as they advise.

When aspirin is used as a painkiller, people take a higher dose (for example, 300 to 600 mg every 4–6 hours). People with reduced kidney function should usually avoid taking high-dose aspirin.

Some medicines may not be safe for you if you have ADPKD because:

• Your kidneys might not clear the medicine out of your body quickly enough, which could lead to side effects.
• The medicine might damage your kidneys.
• The medicine might not work properly.
• It might contain ingredients that you should avoid (such as sodium).

Although there are certain medicines you should avoid, this doesn’t mean you have to cope with untreated symptoms. Ask your doctor which medicines you can use instead.

• Medications to treat ADPKD
• Pain
• Progression of ADPKD

• The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website has information on medicines available in the UK. 

• Kidney Care UK has information on over-the-counter medicines to avoid if you have kidney disease.

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