Sick Day Rules

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Certain medications can make your kidneys work less well if they are taken when you are ill. In severe cases this can lead to kidney failure which could have been avoided.

Which Medications Should I pause?

ACE inhibitors - these end in ‘pril’ – eg ramipril, perindopril, lisinopril
ARBs - these end in ‘sartan’ – eg candesartan, losartan, valsartan
NSAIDs - ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (use just paracetamol for fever if possible)
Metformin - also known as glucophage, Sukkarto etc
SGL2 inhibitors -  these end in ‘gliflozin’- eg dapagliflozin, empaflagozin, cangliflozin
Diuretics (water tablets) - e.g. furosemide, bumetanide, bendroflumethazide, indapamide

Please be careful. Some medications a supplied as a brand name but contain these drugs. If you are unsure ask your pharmacist.

When should pause them?

Any dehydrating illness, e.g.
Significant vomiting or diarrhoea (more than 12-24h)
Severe fevers / sweats
Any other illness that is stopping you taking in a good volume of fluids

When should I re-start them?

It is important to RESTART your medication after a day or two when you feel better
Please discuss with your GP if you are unwell for more than 48h

Patients often worry about stopping ACE inhibitors or ARBs that are used for controlling blood pressure. Stopping them for a few days if needed will NOT alter their long term benefit.

If you are worried about this, or need further advice about your medications please discuss with your pharmacist