This leaflet aims only to provide basic general information about some medicines that your child may need to take.
Individual children and circumstances mean that drugs may sometimes be used in different ways.
Always go to your Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) with further questions or worries.
Alfacalcidol (1 Alpha) - the active form of vitamin D – needed for good bone growth.
Calcichew, Titralac or Settlers Tums (calcium carbonate) – medicines used to reduce the uptake of phosphate from food. Ferrous sulphate (oral paediatric solution) or Sytron - iron supplements to treat anaemia.
Ketovite and Forceval – vitamin and/or mineral supplements.
Sodium Bicarbonate (solution or tablets) – used to treat acidosis
These medications are used to lower/raise blood pressure. They work either on the kidneys or on the blood vessels.
Frusemide, Spironolactone and Metolazone – are diuretics which increase urine output. Enalapril and Captopril – known as ACE inhibitors (act on hormone from the kidney) Nifedipine – a vasodilator (dilates blood vessels).
Atenolol and Propanolol – known as beta blockers (these slow heart rate down and reduce blood pressure).
Immunosuppressive are used to treat severe inflammation (swelling) of the kidney but mainly to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney. They are very powerful drugs and are given in large doses at first and then gradually reduced with time.
Following a kidney transplant, immunosuppressive medicines are taken for as long as the kidney functions, but the dose is usually reduced with time.
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid (not an anabolic steroid such as those abused by some athletes). It may cause some initial weight gain at first and some fattening of the face. This should improve after steroid drugs are reduced with time. Steroids can sometimes cause spots or acne in the older child and some children may have behaviour changes. All immunosuppressive medicine can decrease resistance to infection.
Azathioprine – usually taken as a single evening dose. It may also decrease resistance to infection.
Cyclosporin – may cause an increase in hair growth and some enlargement of the gums. If hair growth is of concern, please discuss with your primary nurse or doctor as various treatments are available. The blood levels of Cyclosporin will be measured at clinic visits.
MISSED DOSES OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVES PUT THE DONOR KIDNEY AT RISK
If immunosuppressive are being taken then all live vaccines such as BCG (for tuberculosis), live polio and rubella should NOT be given. Vaccines made from dead bacteria or viruses may be acceptable but always check with the Nephrologist first.
Antibiotics are a group of medicines which are used either to fight an infection or to stop one developing.
Some infections are more sensitive to one antibiotic than another. Often the doctor will choose an antibiotic most likely to be effective against the suspected infection, but may change the antibiotic when further information is available.
There are certain guidelines to follow when taking antibiotics.
All antibiotics can have side-effects but they rarely occur. These can include: rash, diarrhoea, nausea, sickness. If these problems occur please contact the doctor.
Please note that certain antibiotics are prescribed with caution in patients on Cyclosporin after renal transplant eg.
Erythromycin
Trimethoprim
Acyclovir - this is given to patients on immunosuppressive drugs who are in close contact with chickenpox.
If your child vomits within an hour of taking the medications, then these need to be repeated.
If your child has vomiting diarrhoea while taking immunosuppressives for the kidney transplant, the family need to INFORM the hospital. The medications may need to be given through a vein until the vomiting and diarrhoea stops.
NKF Controlled Document No. 277, Medications used in the Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure following Transplantation in Children — uses and side-effects, written 4 February 2008. Last reviewed 29 January 2008.
Content compiled by members of the Paediactric Renal Unit, City Hospital, Nottingham NG5 1PB.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 4 February 2008
Last updated: 4 February 2008
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