Sick Day Medication Guidance for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease in Outpatient Settings

Preventable medication-related harm to adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in outpatient settings remains a global concern because adults with CKD have a higher risk for medication-related harm than the general population. International and national organizations recommend sick day medication guidance for patients with CKD, diabetes mellitus, or cardiovascular diseases in the form of withholding or adjusting the dose of certain medications that may potentially contribute to other complications, such as acute kidney injury, hypotension, or hypoglycemia in patient scenarios with an acute dehydrating illness. An updated review of interventional research studies demonstrates that limited research evidence is available to support implementation of sick day medication guidance, with multiple patient and health care provider barriers impeding more widespread and successful use of sick day medication guidance in outpatient settings.