The consultant pharmacist's role in dialysis: an introduction

To describe the emerging role of the consultant pharmacist in dialysis, to provide an overview of dialysis procedures, and to discuss drug-dosing considerations and medication-related problems facing chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Primary literature from medical journals and health care information available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the New Jersey Department of Health, the National Kidney Foundation, and the United States Renal Data System.

Relevant and current literatures related to CKD, dialysis, consultant pharmacist, and medication-related problems in CKD and dialysis patients.

CKD affects many aspects of life, and the consequences of CKD can be devastating. Dialysis is an alternative medical treatment option for many people living without functioning kidneys. Often, complicated drug regimens and multiple pharmacotherapies are required for the management of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Medication-related problems occur at a relatively high rate and the cost for management of CKD is high. General background on CKD, the emerging role of the consultant pharmacist, an overview of the kidneys, dialysis procedures and medication-dosing consideration, and medication-related problems are discussed in this article.

Dialysis patients often require multiple pharmacotherapies and complicated drug regimens to manage their conditions. They have increased risk of drug adverse events and drug complications. The consultant pharmacist can play a key role in the multidisciplinary renal-care team to manage pharmacotherapy for this vulnerable patient population.