10 top tips about conjunctivitis We will describe 10 top tips about conjunctivitis. 1. Conjunctivitis, also known as ‘pink or red eye’ It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent layer that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. 2. Three main types of […]
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Top tips about kidney transplants In this article we will describe top tips about kidney transplants. This will focus on the period after a transplant, especially the first year. Remember .. “A good transplant is one that is working well at one year with a blood creatinine level of under 150 mcmol/L” Typical scar after
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What is prednisolone? Type of drug: corticosteroid (and synthetic version of cortisol) Use: immunosuppressant after kidney transplant; anti-inflammatory; other autoimmune disease Dose: 5 mg alternate days to 80 mg once a day (for short periods); maintenance dose is 5 mg once a day Side-effects: Diabetes; osteoporosis; increased appetite Cushing’s syndrome: hypertension; moon face; weight gain
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What is analgesic nephropathy? In this article we will describe what is analgesic nephropathy. It is a condition characterised by damage to the kidneys due to long-term or excessive use of certain pain medications; particularly analgesics like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and combination analgesics containing phenacetin, aspirin, or acetaminophen. Note. NSAIDs can affect the kidneys
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10 top tips for kidneys If you are worried about your kidneys (or CKD), don’t panic. There is alot you can do. Here are CKDEx’s 10 top tips for kidneys. 1. The BIG ONE = keep your blood pressure normal or low. This is the single most important thing you can do. Why? Proper control
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What is mycophenolate? Type of drug: purine synthesis blocker (antimetabolite) Use: immunosuppressant used after kidney transplant; other autoimmune disease Dose: 500 mg twice a day Side-effects: Gastrointestinal disorders Liver dysfunction Bone marrow suppression – causing low haemoglobin, white cells and platelets. Monitor: FBC, liver enzymes. Note 1. It is an alternative drug to azathioprine is an
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What is ramipril? Type of drug: angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE) Use: high blood pressure (hypertension); CKD with protein in urine (especially diabetes); congestive (chronic) heart failure (CHF) Dose: 12.5-10 mg once a day Side-effects: Dry cough Hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium level) – that you will not normally notice AKI – mainly in patients with renovascular disease.
What is losartan? Type of drug: angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) Use: high blood pressure (hypertension); CKD with protein in urine (especially diabetes); chronic heart failure (CHF) Dose: 25-100 mg once a day Side-effects: Hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium level) – that you will not normally notice AKI – mainly in patients with renovascular disease. Monitor: U+E,
What is linagliptin? Type of drug: dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor (increases insulin secretion) Use: type 2 diabetes Dose: 5 mg once a day (same in CKD) Side-effects: side-effects are uncommon Monitor: glucose, HbA1C. Other resources CKD patient information (CKD Explained’s 30+ core articles about CKD) Linagliptin (BNF) Review article: McGill, 2012
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What is hydralazine? Type of drug: BP tablet (vasodilator) Use: high blood pressure (hypertension); chronic heart failure (CHF) Dose: 25 mg twice a day, to 100 mg three times a day Side-effects: hypotension (low BP); lupus-like syndrome; tachycardia (fast heart rate) Monitor: low BP. Other resources CKD drug side-effects CKD patient information (CKD Explained’s 30+ core
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