The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter the blood of wastes, electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and excess fluid. Certain drugs or medical conditions can sometimes pave the way for kidney failure. Signs of this condition include decreased urination, a loss of appetite, high blood pressure and swelling of the ankles and feet. Medicines are available to treat kidney failure symptoms.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to lower the high potassium blood levels that occur when the kidneys cannot filter the potassium out of the body.
Drugs.com says that sodium polystyrene sulfonate's common side effects include diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach problems and constipation. Call a physician when these effects last for more than one week. Serious side effects include rapid weight gain, a fluttering sensation in the chest, an elevated thirst or hunger, irregular heartbeats, black or bloody stools, muscle weakness and rectal or stomach pain. A physician should know immediately if these side effects develop.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate should not be given to those with potential allergies to the medication or to people who suffer from low potassium levels or bowel obstruction.
Sodium polystyrene solfonate is a liquid taken by mouth, through a stomach feeding tube or as a rectal enema. It is typically taken one to four times a day.
Epoetin Alfa
Normally, the kidneys produce erythropoeitin (EPO), a substance necessary for red blood cell production. In kidney failure, the organs do not produce EPO and a synthetic form is necessary to prevent anemia, a condition of lowered red blood cells. Epoetin alfa is this synthetic form.
MedlinePlus says that epoetin alfa's common side effects include a headache, constipation, diarrhea, itching, a rash, muscle or joint pain, indigestion, stomach pain and trouble sleeping. Alert a physician when epoetin alfa's common effects remain for more than seven days. Epoetin alfa also causes trouble swallowing or breathing; fever; chills; sore throat; hives; and redness, irritation, swelling and pain at the injection site. Notify a doctor immediately when this drug causes these serious effects.
Epoetin alfa can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs, lungs or brain. Leg pain or tenderness and leg swelling characterize blood clots in the legs. Sometimes, a clot in the legs will move up to the lung's blood vessels and cause a fast heartbeat and trouble breathing. A clot in the brain can result in a stroke, a condition characterized by slurred speech and sudden paralysis on one side of the body.
Epoeitin alfa is an injection administered one to three times weekly. MedlinePlus says that it may be two to six weeks before the amount of red blood cells increase as a result of the medication.
Furosemide
Furosemide is a diuretic used to reduce fluid that accumulates in the body during kidney failure. Specifically, this drug works to promote salt excretion. Understand that wherever salt goes, water follows. So, the excess fluid and salt are excreted out with urine.
Drugs.com says that furosemide's common side effects include blurry vision, a headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, numbness and a burning or tingling sensation. Call a physician when furosemide's common effects remain for more than seven days. Furosemide's serious side effects include rash (with blistering), decreased urination, a fast heartbeat, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, muscle pain or weakness and hearing loss. Alert a physician immediately when furosemide causes these effects.
Furosemide is a tablet given daily or as indicated.
