Prescribing in renal supportive care

Abstract

Renal supportive care incorporates the principles of palliative care into the management of patients with advanced kidney disease. Its focus is on improving the quality of life for patients with a high burden of symptoms. Common problems include pain, restless legs syndrome and uraemic pruritus. Symptom management must involve patient participation, education and non-pharmacological strategies to address both physical and psychosocial problems, and to prioritise patient-centred goals. The patients are medically complex and polypharmacy is common. When prescribing, it is important to consider the altered pharmacokinetics, potential drug interactions and the clearance of drugs by dialysis.