of more than 1.4 for men and more than 1.2 for women may indicate that there is something wrong with the kidneys. If creatinine levels are higher than normal, a healthcare provider may recommend other tests to assess the problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMeasuring GFR can help confirm a problem with the kidneys. A GFR of 60 or more typically suggests normal kidney function, while a GFR of less than 60 usually indicates kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment options. A GFR of less than 15 could indicate kidney failure, which will likely require dialysis or a kidney transplant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn addition, a test may be recommended to check BUN levels. The normal range of BUN levels is from 7 to 20. Higher BUN levels than normal may indicate kidney disease or, in severe cases, kidney failure.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to lower creatinine levels<\/span><\/h2>\nHow your healthcare provider treats your abnormal creatinine levels depends entirely on the underlying cause. Changes in lifestyle and diet can be a simple and effective treatment for minor cases. But chronic kidney disease, kidney damage, or kidney failure require more robust procedures. Medications to control symptoms, dialysis, or in the most extreme cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary. Here are a few potential methods for lowering creatinine levels:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to do<\/b><\/h3>\n\n- Stay hydrated<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reduce protein intake<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reduce vigorous activity (but don\u2019t cut out exercise altogether!)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Get more fiber in your diet (specifically from fruits and vegetables)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What to avoid<\/b><\/h3>\nNatural remedies<\/b><\/h3>\n
It\u2019s important to consult a healthcare provider before using supplements or natural remedies to treat high creatinine levels, especially high levels associated with kidney disease. Some herbal supplements may interact with other medications you may be taking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t
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Medications<\/b><\/h3>\n
There are no medications that specifically reduce the amount of creatinine in your blood. If your healthcare provider determines kidney disease is causing abnormal creatinine levels, they might prescribe certain medications. Prescription drugs for kidney disease may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors:<\/b> Zestril<\/span> (lisinopril), <\/span>Lotensin<\/span> (benazepril), and Capoten (<\/span>captopril<\/span>) are examples of ACE inhibitors that can <\/span>lower high blood pressure<\/span> and reduce pressure on the blood vessels in the kidneys.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): <\/b>Cozaar<\/span> (losartan) and <\/span>Avapro<\/span> (irbesartan) are examples of ARBs that treat high blood pressure and have protective effects on the kidneys.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)<\/b>: ESAs can help treat anemia (low red blood cells) caused by chronic kidney disease. Examples of ESAs that can help increase red blood cell counts include <\/span>Procrit<\/span> (epoetin alfa) and <\/span>Aranesp<\/span> (darbepoetin alfa).<\/span><\/li>\n
- Phosphate or potassium binders: <\/b>People with kidney disease may be unable to filter and excrete certain substances from the body. Phosphate or potassium binders can help eliminate extra phosphate and potassium that the kidneys are unable to filter. Phosphate binders include <\/span>Renvela<\/span> (sevelamer carbonate) and <\/span>Fosrenol<\/span> (lanthanum carbonate), while potassium binders include <\/span>sodium polystyrene sulfonate<\/span> and calcium polystyrene sulfonate.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
RELATED<\/b>:<\/span> Lotensin details<\/b> |<\/b> Captopril details<\/b><\/p>\nTry the discount card<\/b><\/p>\nWhat happens when creatinine levels are low?<\/span><\/h3>\nLow creatinine isn\u2019t always dangerous. It could be the result of normal aging or more serious conditions, such as liver disease. If your healthcare provider suspects low creatinine levels, they may run a serum creatinine test and evaluate what may be causing low creatinine levels. The main causes of low creatinine levels include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Decreased muscle mass:<\/b> Creatinine production is directly related to muscle mass or how much muscle a person has. Aging and some health conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, can cause the muscles to deteriorate, leading to low creatinine levels. While low creatinine levels due to age are not usually a serious concern, low creatinine levels due to muscular dystrophy may warrant the need for treatment. Symptoms of low creatinine due to decreased muscle mass may include muscle weakness and trouble exercising.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Liver problems:<\/b> As much of the creatine in the body is produced in the liver, problems with the liver could lead to low creatinine levels. Symptoms may include nausea, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, fatigue, and jaundice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Malnutrition:<\/b> Low creatinine may be caused by deficiencies in the diet. As creatine is primarily found in meat, people who are vegetarian may have lower levels of creatine than people who eat meat. In addition, people with low-protein diets or those who are unable to eat enough protein may also have low creatinine levels. Symptoms may include fatigue and weight loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
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