Medication in peritoneal dialysis

Phosphorus collectors

When the kidneys fail, phosphorus builds up in your body. Phosphorus is a substance that must be within certain limits in the blood (it is bad to have high, but also low).

Trade names

MASTICAL, ROYEN, CAOSINA, OSVAREN, PEPSAMAR, Renagel, FOSRENOL.

Symptoms

It's normal not to notice anything, high phosphorus for a long time gives no symptoms. Sometimes it can cause severe and itchy itching. Over time, having high phosphorus can cause circulatory and heart problems.

How they act and how to take them

Phosphorus collectors bind to phosphorus, which carries food, into the digestive tract. That is why it is so important to always take them during or immediately after meals. It is pointless to take the phosphorus collector long after you have eaten, because then the phosphorus will already be in your blood.

How to help with diet

Many foods needed for nutrition carry phosphorus. The more you avoid them foods rich in phosphorus, the fewer pills you will need. Always avoid cola and nuts. Do not abuse meats, fish, eggs and dairy products.

Potassium collectors

When the kidneys fail, potassium accumulates in your body. Potassium is a substance that must be within blood limits. It's so bad to have high levels (hyperkalemia) and low levels (hypokalemia).

Trade names

REINSTALLATION.

Symptoms

It is normal to notice no symptoms, high potassium for a long time gives no symptoms. When levels are too high, it can endanger your life. Symptoms include: weakness, fatigue, palpitations, paralysis, and paresthesias (tingling sensation, numbness). There may be angina pectoris and it may progress to cardiac arrest.

How they act and how to take them

Potassium binders bind to the potassium, which carries food, in the digestive tract. That is why it is so important to always take them during or immediately after meals. Do not take double doses to make up for missed doses. It is taken dissolved in water (not with juice because of the high potassium content it has).

How to help with diet

Many of the foods needed for nutrition are potassium. The more you avoid foods high in potassium, the less risk you have of hyperkalemia. Always avoid nuts and cocoa products, such as chocolate. Do not abuse fruits and vegetables. Follow dietary recommendations to reduce the amount of potassium in your foods.

Hypotensors

As a result of high blood pressure, the heart increases in volume and can block the coronary vessels. This can lead to angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.

Trade names

Doxazosin, atenolol, bisoprolol, EMCONCOR, COROPRES, amlodipine, diltiazem, nicardipine, Adalat, MANIDON, captopril, DONEKA, PARAPRES.

Symptoms

High blood pressure usually does not give any symptoms. When blood pressure reaches very high, headache may occur.

How they act and how to take them

Medications to regulate pressure work in different ways. Some remove excess water and salt from the body. Others make the heartbeat slower or more relaxing and widen the blood vessels. Sometimes the combination of various drugs to regulate blood pressure works best.

It is very important to take your medication to regulate your blood pressure. Even if the pressure is OK, if you stop taking the medication you will soon rise again.

How to help with diet

• By reducing salt in meals and avoiding them foods rich in sodium (cured cheeses, cold meats ...).
• In no case replace ordinary salt with diet salt, since they are usually potassium salts.
• In case of obesity, it is advisable to reduce weight.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Do exercise.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Reduction of red blood cells results in anemia. This is because the kidneys cannot produce a staple substance, erythropoietin.

Trade names

NEORECORMON, MIRCERA, ARANESP, EPREX, EPOEN, BINOCRIT.

Symptoms

Fatigue, muscle weakness, pallor of the skin, sleep problems, headache.

If left untreated, anemia can worsen and make the heart work harder. You will also notice leg pain when walking due to lack of rec and low blood pressure which can cause dizziness.

How it acts and how to take them

Erythropoietin (EPO) should be stored in the refrigerator.

The EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. With the EPO you will achieve a better quality of life:

• increases your ability to exercise.
• improves appetite
• improves sexual activity.

The EPO is given in the form of a subcutaneous injection. It will be you or a family member / carer who punctures you. Nursing will teach you how. The dose and frequency will be decided by your doctor based on the results of your tests. The EPO will be provided by your hospital pharmacy.

Iron

Kidney failure causes anemia. This anemia can be corrected with Erythropoietin (EPO). But you may also need to take iron supplements to correct it.

Trade names

• Oral Iron: FERO GRADUMET, TARDYFERON.
• Intravenous Iron: INJURY, VENOFER, HERBAL.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anemia include: tiredness, weakness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat.

How they act and how to take them

Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin, the hormone that carries oxygen inside the red blood cells. If you take iron pills, you should know that it is best to fast. Taking the iron in pill also causes your stool to be black. Iron in pills is usually not enough for people with kidney failure, so according to the results of your tests, it may be necessary to administer iron in a vein. It will generally be administered by taking advantage of your control visit to the hospital, and also by taking advantage of the same analytical puncture.

How to help with diet

Iron-rich foods include red meats, liver, turkey, rabbit, and leafy greens like spinach.

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential to us. The body does not produce vitamins, it obtains them from food. With kidney failure there are some restricted food groups and this can lead to a vitamin deficiency. Every day with dialysis vitamins are also lost.
Some vitamins are essential for correcting anemia.

Trade names

• Folic Acid: ACFOL, BIALFOLI, LEDERFOLIN.
• Vitamin B12: BECOCYME C FORTE, HYDROXIL B1 B6 B12.
• Vitamin D: ROCALTROL, PARICALCITOL.

How they act and how to take them

Do not take vitamins that your doctor did not prescribe, they may contain vitamins or minerals that will hurt you.

How to help with diet

Take foods rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid such as eggs, fish and liver.

Laxatives

Constipation can make it difficult for the peritoneal catheter to function properly. The pressure exerted by the peritoneal fluid on the abdomen slows down the bowel movement. Medications you take for your illness, decreased dietary fiber due to restriction of fruits and vegetables, and no exercise can also lead to constipation.

Trade names

DUPHALAC.

Symptoms

Abdomen more distended, difficulties in the exit (drainage) of the peritoneal fluid.

How they act and how to take them

Lactulose laxatives, which are most recommended for renal failure, increase the water content in your stool, making them softer. The goal is to have 3 stools of soft consistency daily.

Ideally, they should be taken in a single dose in the morning. If the laxative is drunk, it can be dissolved in water or infusions. If you take PLANTABEN, you should take it with water. Better after meals (before you may feel satiated). It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking it.

The laxative should be prescribed by your doctor, there are laxatives that are harmful to people with kidney failure.

How to help with diet

• Eating high-fiber foods
• Exercising