Can vonaprazan be given to patients with end-stage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

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Last updated: October 31, 2025View editorial policy

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Vonaprazan Use in End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease

Vonaprazan can be administered to patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), but dose adjustment may be necessary due to increased drug exposure in severe renal impairment. 1

Pharmacokinetics in Renal Impairment

  • According to the FDA label, vonaprazan exposure (AUC∞) is 2.4 times greater in patients with severe renal impairment compared to those with normal renal function 1
  • In dialysis-dependent patients, AUC∞ estimates were 1.3-fold greater compared to subjects with normal renal function 1
  • Vonaprazan is present in dialysate but represents only 0.94% of the administered dose, indicating minimal removal by dialysis 1

Dosing Recommendations

  • The FDA label indicates that dose adjustment may be necessary for patients with severe renal impairment or those requiring dialysis 1
  • Unlike many medications that require significant dose adjustments in CKD, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a class generally do not require major dose adjustments based on CKD stage or glomerular filtration rate 2
  • For patients with end-stage renal disease, individualized dosing decisions should be made based on the patient's specific clinical situation 1

Clinical Considerations

  • When prescribing medications to patients with end-stage CKD, it's important to consider potential drug interactions, particularly with medications that have narrow therapeutic windows 2
  • PPIs are commonly prescribed to CKD patients, particularly for gastroprotection when using antiplatelet therapy 2
  • For CKD patients receiving antiplatelet therapy, PPI co-administration is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal bleeding risk 2

Monitoring Recommendations

  • Regular monitoring of renal function is advisable when using medications in patients with end-stage CKD 3
  • Be vigilant for potential adverse effects that may be exacerbated by reduced drug clearance in end-stage CKD 3
  • Drug dosing errors are common in patients with renal impairment and can cause adverse effects and poor outcomes, so careful attention to dosing is essential 3

Important Caveats

  • Protein binding of vonaprazan is not affected by impaired renal function, which is an important consideration in drug dosing for end-stage CKD patients 1
  • When prescribing any medication to patients with end-stage CKD, the risk-benefit ratio should be carefully evaluated, as these patients often have multiple comorbidities and complex medication regimens 3
  • While vonaprazan can be used in end-stage CKD, it's important to note that the FDA label specifically mentions the increased drug exposure in this population, suggesting caution is warranted 1

References

Guideline

Proton Pump Inhibitor Dosing in Chronic Kidney Disease

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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