Which pain reliever is recommended for a patient who has kidney disease?

Acetaminophen is often recommended as a pain reliever for patients with kidney disease due to its safer profile compared to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. NSAIDs can restrict blood flow to the kidneys and potentially worsen kidney function by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are important for maintaining renal blood flow. In patients with existing kidney disease, using NSAIDs could increase the risk of further kidney damage or renal failure.

Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is processed primarily by the liver and does not have the same adverse effects on kidney function when used at therapeutic doses. It provides effective pain relief and is usually a safer choice in managing mild to moderate pain for patients with compromised renal function. This is why acetaminophen is the recommended option for individuals with kidney disease.