People who receive an abnormal creatinine or eGFR result often search for a medicine to improve kidney function.

The important point is that there is no single medicine that increases kidney function in every patient.

Treatment depends on why kidney function is reduced.

For example, a person with acute kidney injury caused by dehydration, infection or urinary obstruction may improve when the underlying problem is treated. In chronic kidney disease, the main goal is often to protect remaining kidney function, control the cause and slow further deterioration rather than simply trying to increase the eGFR number.

Current CKD guidance emphasizes individualized management of blood pressure, albuminuria, diabetes, cardiovascular risk and other complications.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation and treatment for patients with abnormal kidney-function tests.

First Understand Why Kidney Function Is Low

Before choosing a medicine, doctors need to determine whether the reduced kidney function is:

• Acute or chronic

• Stable or rapidly changing

• Related to dehydration

• Associated with an infection

• Caused by urinary obstruction

• Related to diabetes or hypertension

• Due to a glomerular or other kidney disease

• Related to a medication or toxin

• Associated with another medical condition

This distinction matters because a treatment that is useful for one kidney condition may be inappropriate for another.

A sudden creatinine increase, for example, requires a different evaluation from gradually declining kidney function over several years.

What Does “Kidney Function” Actually Mean?

Kidney function is commonly assessed using eGFR, which estimates how effectively the kidneys filter blood.

Doctors may also review:

• Serum creatinine

• Urine albumin

• Urinalysis

• Blood pressure

• Potassium

• Bicarbonate

• Blood urea

• Other laboratory findings

One abnormal creatinine result does not necessarily establish permanent kidney damage.

Similarly, an eGFR change should be interpreted in context and compared with previous results.

Medicines That Can Help Protect Kidney Function

Different medicines have different purposes. Some do not directly “repair” the kidneys but can reduce factors that contribute to further kidney damage.

ACE Inhibitors and ARBs

ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are important medicines in selected patients with CKD, particularly when hypertension and albuminuria are present.

They can lower blood pressure and reduce protein leakage through the kidneys. In appropriate patients, they can help slow CKD progression.

Examples include medicines from the lisinopril or losartan groups.

However, these medicines are not suitable for everyone.

Doctors may monitor:

• Serum creatinine

• Potassium

• Blood pressure

• Kidney function after starting or changing the dose

Do not start or stop an ACE inhibitor or ARB without medical supervision.

SGLT2 Inhibitors and Kidney Protection

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were initially developed as diabetes medicines, but evidence has established kidney-protective benefits in selected people with CKD.

KDIGO's 2024 CKD guideline recommends SGLT2 inhibitors for several groups of adults with CKD, including certain patients with eGFR at least 20 mL/min/1.73 m² and significant albuminuria, and for adults with CKD and heart failure irrespective of albuminuria level.

These medicines can produce a small, reversible fall in eGFR soon after initiation. This does not necessarily indicate worsening kidney disease and should be interpreted by the treating clinician.

SGLT2 inhibitors are not appropriate for every patient, and temporary withholding may be recommended during certain situations such as prolonged fasting, surgery or critical illness.

Medicines for Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease

Diabetes can damage the kidney's filtering structures over time.

For people with diabetes and CKD, treatment may involve a combination of:

• Appropriate glucose-lowering therapy

• Blood-pressure treatment

• SGLT2 inhibitors when indicated

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs when appropriate

• Other kidney and cardiovascular protective treatments based on individual risk

The exact choice depends on kidney function, blood glucose, albuminuria, cardiovascular disease and other health factors.

Good diabetes management is an important part of protecting kidney function.

Medicines for High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

High blood pressure can damage the kidneys, while CKD can also contribute to hypertension.

Controlling blood pressure is therefore an important part of kidney protection.

Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may involve:

• ACE inhibitors

• ARBs

• Calcium-channel blockers

• Diuretics

• Other antihypertensive medicines

ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be particularly useful when albuminuria is present.

The appropriate blood-pressure target should be individualized rather than copied from another patient.

Can Diuretics Improve Kidney Function?

Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help the body remove sodium and water.

They may be useful when kidney disease is associated with:

• Swelling

• Fluid overload

• High blood pressure

• Heart failure-related fluid retention

However, diuretics do not directly regenerate damaged kidney tissue.

If used inappropriately, they can contribute to dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities.

Therefore, the dose needs to be individualized and monitored.

What Medicines Are Used for Glomerular Kidney Disease?

Glomerular diseases affect the kidney's filtering units.

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis.

Depending on the condition, doctors may use:

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs to reduce proteinuria

• SGLT2 inhibitors in selected patients

• Corticosteroids

• Other immunosuppressive medicines

• Diuretics for edema

• Cholesterol-lowering medicines when appropriate

A kidney biopsy may sometimes be required to identify the specific type of glomerular disease before selecting treatment.

This is one reason why taking a “kidney medicine” without knowing the diagnosis can be unsafe.

Can Medicine Restore Kidney Function After Acute Kidney Injury?

Sometimes kidney function can improve substantially after acute kidney injury (AKI).

The treatment is directed at the underlying cause.

Examples include:

• Correcting appropriate fluid deficits

• Treating an identified infection

• Relieving urinary obstruction

• Addressing low blood pressure

• Reviewing potentially harmful medicines

• Managing other acute illnesses

Some patients require temporary dialysis during severe AKI and later recover sufficient kidney function.

The possibility of recovery depends on the cause, severity and duration of the kidney injury.

What If Kidney Function Is Reduced Because of Dehydration?

Dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause a temporary rise in creatinine.

If dehydration is responsible, appropriate fluid replacement may allow kidney function to improve.

However, drinking excessive water is not a universal treatment.

Patients with heart failure, advanced CKD, kidney failure or fluid restrictions may need a carefully controlled fluid intake.

Fluid treatment should therefore be based on the patient's clinical condition.

Can Medicine Increase a Low eGFR?

Medicines are not generally prescribed simply to make an eGFR number higher.

A patient's eGFR can fluctuate because of:

• Hydration

• Acute illness

• Medication effects

• Changes in creatinine production

• Muscle mass

• Laboratory variation

• Acute kidney injury

The treatment goal is to identify and address the underlying problem and protect kidney function over time.

In CKD, slowing further decline may be more important than trying to produce an artificial increase in one laboratory measurement.

Can Kidney Function Improve Naturally?

Some reversible reductions in kidney function can improve when the underlying cause is corrected.

For example, kidney function may recover after appropriate treatment of certain cases of:

• Dehydration

• Acute infection

• Urinary obstruction

• Medication-related kidney injury

• Other reversible acute illnesses

Established chronic kidney scarring is different. Chronic structural damage generally cannot simply be reversed by a supplement or home remedy.

What About Vitamins and Supplements?

There is no universal vitamin or supplement proven to restore reduced kidney function.

Some supplements may also contain substances that are inappropriate for people with CKD, including excessive potassium, phosphorus or other ingredients.

Herbal products marketed as:

• Kidney cleansers

• Kidney detoxes

• Creatinine reducers

• Kidney repair supplements

should not be assumed to be safe or effective.

People with CKD should discuss supplements with their doctor before using them.

Can Painkillers Affect Kidney Function?

Yes.

Some medicines, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect kidney function in susceptible people.

Risk may be greater in people with:

• CKD

• Dehydration

• Heart failure

• Older age

• Low blood pressure

• Certain combinations of medicines

NIDDK recommends discussing medication use with healthcare professionals and taking steps to protect kidney health from medicines that may cause kidney injury.

Do not use frequent over-the-counter painkillers without checking whether they are appropriate for your kidney condition.

Why Medication Review Matters in CKD

As kidney function decreases, some medicines may remain in the body longer because the kidneys remove them less efficiently.

This can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Doctors may therefore adjust:

• Dose

• Frequency

• Choice of medicine

• Combination of medicines

Medication review is particularly important when kidney function changes significantly.

What Tests Help Decide Whether Medicine Is Needed?

A nephrologist may review:

Blood Tests

• Creatinine

• eGFR

• Urea

• Potassium

• Sodium

• Bicarbonate

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Hemoglobin

Urine Tests

• Urinalysis

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio

• Urine protein

• Blood in urine

• Other tests when indicated

Other Assessment

Depending on the situation, doctors may also consider:

• Blood-pressure measurement

• Diabetes testing

• Kidney ultrasound

• CT or other imaging

• Kidney biopsy

• Medication review

• Previous creatinine results

Monitoring eGFR and urine albumin over time is an important part of CKD management.

What If Kidney Function Is Getting Worse Despite Treatment?

A worsening kidney-function result should not automatically lead to adding another medicine.

The doctor may first investigate:

• Medication adherence

• Dehydration

• New infection

• Urinary obstruction

• Uncontrolled blood pressure

• Poor diabetes control

• New kidney disease

• Excessive use of potentially kidney-harming medicines

• Acute kidney injury superimposed on CKD

The cause of deterioration needs to be addressed before treatment is changed.

Can Advanced Kidney Disease Be Treated With Medicine Alone?

Medicines can help manage many complications and may slow CKD progression, but they cannot replace kidney function indefinitely once kidney failure becomes established.

Depending on the clinical situation, advanced kidney disease may require discussion of:

• Hemodialysis

• Peritoneal dialysis

• Kidney transplantation

• Conservative kidney management

The appropriate approach depends on kidney function, symptoms, complications, overall health and patient preferences.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Kidney Function

Medicines work best as part of a broader kidney-care plan.

Depending on individual needs, this may include:

• Controlling blood pressure

• Managing diabetes

• Reducing excessive sodium intake

• Avoiding smoking

• Maintaining appropriate physical activity

• Following an individualized kidney-friendly diet

• Avoiding unnecessary NSAIDs

• Taking prescribed medicines consistently

• Attending regular kidney-function testing

NIDDK identifies blood-pressure management, glucose control, albuminuria reduction, nutrition and lifestyle measures as important components of slowing CKD progression.

When Should You See a Nephrologist?

A kidney specialist evaluation may be appropriate if you have:

• Persistently elevated creatinine

• Reduced eGFR

• Protein or albumin in urine

• Blood in urine

• Rapidly changing kidney function

• Recurrent kidney stones or obstruction

• Difficult-to-control hypertension

• Diabetes with kidney abnormalities

• Recurrent acute kidney injury

• Advanced CKD

A nephrologist can determine whether a medicine is appropriate and monitor its effects safely.

Kidney Function Evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized assessment of abnormal kidney-function results and kidney diseases.

Depending on the patient's condition, evaluation and management may include:

• Reviewing creatinine and eGFR trends

• Assessing urine protein or albumin

• Evaluating blood pressure

• Diabetes-related kidney care

• Medication review

• Management of CKD

• Evaluation of acute kidney injury

• Assessment of kidney stones or urinary obstruction

• Management of electrolyte abnormalities

• Advanced kidney disease and dialysis assessment

• Kidney transplant-related evaluation

Treatment is selected according to the underlying kidney condition rather than simply trying to increase a laboratory value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best medicine to improve kidney function?

There is no single medicine that works for every kidney condition. Depending on the diagnosis, medicines such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs or SGLT2 inhibitors may help protect kidney function in appropriate patients, while other conditions require different treatments.

Can medicine increase creatinine clearance?

If reduced kidney function is caused by a reversible condition, treating that condition may improve kidney filtration. In established CKD, treatment generally focuses on slowing further loss of function rather than guaranteeing an increase in eGFR.

Can kidney function improve after treatment?

Yes, some acute kidney injuries are reversible. Chronic kidney damage is less likely to be completely reversed, although appropriate treatment can slow progression and manage complications.

Which medicine protects the kidneys in diabetes?

Depending on the individual situation, treatment may include an SGLT2 inhibitor and other glucose- or blood-pressure-lowering medicines. ACE inhibitors or ARBs are particularly important in selected patients with diabetes, hypertension and albuminuria.

Can I take kidney supplements to improve kidney function?

Do not assume that a supplement can repair kidney damage. Some supplements may be harmful or interact with prescribed medicines, particularly in CKD, dialysis or transplant patients.

Does high creatinine always mean permanent kidney damage?

No. Creatinine can increase temporarily because of acute kidney injury, dehydration, obstruction, medicines and other factors. Evaluation of previous results and the clinical situation is important.

Should I stop my medicine if my creatinine rises?

Not without medical advice. Some medicines can cause or contribute to changes in kidney function, while others are prescribed specifically to protect the kidneys. A clinician should determine whether a medicine should be continued, adjusted or stopped.

Conclusion

Searching for a medicine to improve kidney function is understandable when creatinine is high or eGFR is low. However, there is no universal kidney-repair medicine that works for every patient.

The appropriate treatment depends on the reason kidney function is reduced. In selected patients with chronic kidney disease, medicines such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs and SGLT2 inhibitors can help protect kidney function and slow disease progression. Other patients may require treatment for diabetes, hypertension, proteinuria, glomerular disease, fluid overload, infection or urinary obstruction.

When kidney function falls suddenly, identifying a reversible cause is especially important because some forms of acute kidney injury can recover after appropriate treatment.

Rather than taking an unproven kidney supplement or trying to increase eGFR on your own, obtain an individualized assessment of kidney function and the underlying cause.

For specialist kidney evaluation and personalized treatment planning, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized medical advice. There is no single medicine that improves kidney function in every patient. Treatment depends on the cause of reduced kidney function, whether the condition is acute or chronic, eGFR, urine albumin, blood pressure, diabetes, medications and other health factors. ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, diuretics and other medicines are appropriate only for selected patients and require professional assessment and monitoring. Do not start, stop or change prescription medicines, painkillers, supplements, fluid intake or diet based solely on this article. Seek urgent medical attention for very little or no urine, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, severe swelling or rapidly worsening health. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified nephrologist for individualized evaluation.