Over-the-counter remedies in chronic renal insufficiency: risks versus benefits.

It is common for individuals with renal insufficiency of varying degrees to supplement their prescriptive treatment with non-prescription medications, herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and vitamins. These products, although often perceived as "safe" to the consumer, do carry their own profiles of side effects and precautions. Renal insufficiency may put individuals at an even higher risk for adverse events. The purpose of this review is to give health care professionals an increased appreciation for the use of over-the-counter remedies by patients with renal insufficiency and the inherent risks associated with the use of these products. The uses and potential hazards of common non-prescription medicines, herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and vitamins will be discussed.