Which medications are typically used for treating chronic kidney disease?

The use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers is well-supported in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their renal protective effects. These classes of medications help to lower blood pressure and reduce proteinuria, which can slow the progression of kidney damage. By blocking the angiotensin II pathway, they not only help in controlling hypertension but also promote vasodilation of the efferent arterioles in the kidneys, reducing glomerular pressure and, consequently, protecting the nephron function over time.

While other options may contain medications that have their own benefits in a broader scope of treatment, they do not specifically address the progression of CKD as effectively as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers do. For example, while beta blockers can be used for managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, they don't offer the same level of renal protection. Similarly, thiazide diuretics may be beneficial in certain cases of hypertension but are not primarily used for the management of chronic kidney disease. Aldosterone antagonists and calcium channel blockers, although they may have roles in other therapeutic areas, do not specifically target the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the progression of CKD.