What renal function markers are critical for determining the need for medication adjustment?

The critical markers for determining the need for medication adjustment in patients with renal function concerns include serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Serum creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism and is typically cleared by the kidneys. Elevated levels indicate decreased renal function. BUN, on the other hand, reflects the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is also cleared by the kidneys. Both serum creatinine and BUN provide insights into kidney health and function, helping healthcare providers gauge the filtration capability of the kidneys.

eGFR is a calculated estimate that takes into consideration serum creatinine levels along with other factors such as age, sex, race, and body size. It offers a more comprehensive view of kidney function, effectively indicating how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. When renal function deteriorates and the eGFR decreases, it often necessitates adjustments in medication dosages to avoid toxicity, as many drugs are renally excreted or their pharmacokinetics are influenced by renal function.

While albumin is an important marker for kidney damage and disease (particularly in conditions like nephrotic syndrome), it does not directly