In patients with acute renal failure, what is the likely action required regarding medications that are normally excreted by the kidneys?

In the context of acute renal failure, the kidneys' ability to filter and excrete medications is significantly impaired. Medications that are normally eliminated through the kidneys may accumulate in the patient's system if dosages are not adjusted. This accumulation can lead to toxicity and adverse effects.

Decreasing the dosage of these medications is crucial. By doing so, healthcare providers can help mitigate the risk of drug toxicity while still delivering therapeutic benefits. Adjusting the dosage based on the patient's renal function is a standard practice in managing patients with renal impairment.

While other options may seem valid under different circumstances, they do not appropriately account for the risk of accumulation of medications in the context of renal failure. For instance, increasing the dosage could exacerbate toxicity, changing to oral administration may not be advisable if the patient's gastrointestinal function is compromised, and stopping the medication completely might not be necessary if an appropriate dose adjustment can be managed.