What adjustments in medication might be needed for patients starting dialysis?

When patients begin dialysis, their body undergoes significant changes that can affect how medications are processed. This process can alter the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, meaning that the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of these medications may be impacted.

As kidney function declines, certain medications may accumulate in the body due to reduced clearance, particularly those that are primarily excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, frequent monitoring and potential adjustments to both the type of medications prescribed and their dosages are often necessary to ensure efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

This is particularly important for medications with a narrow therapeutic index, where small changes in dosage can lead to significant effects. These adjustments might also apply to medications that need to be substituted for safer alternatives in patients with compromised kidney function.

In contrast, it may not be accurate to assume that no changes are necessary for existing medications, overlook the need for adjustments solely for over-the-counter medications, or believe that medications are rarely monitored. All these aspects emphasize the importance of careful medication management in patients starting dialysis therapy.