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Analgesic nephropathy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Phenacetin nephritis; Nephropathy - analgesic

Definition    Return to top

Analgesic nephropathy involves damage to one or both kidneys caused by overexposure to mixtures of medications, especially over-the-counter pain remedies (analgesics).

Causes    Return to top

Analgesic nephropathy involves damage within the internal structures of the kidney. It is caused by long-term use of analgesics, especially over-the-counter (OTC) medications that contain phenacetin or acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

The excessive use may equal about three pills per day for 6 years. This frequently occurs as a result of self-medicating, often for some type of chronic pain.

Analgesic nephropathy occurs in about 4 out of 100,000 people, mostly women over 30. The rate has decreased significantly since phenacetin is no longer widely available in OTC preparations.

Risk factors include:

Persons with this condition may also have a history of the following conditions:

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A physical examination may show signs of interstitial nephritis or kidney failure.

Blood pressure may be high. The doctor may hear abnormal heart or lung sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. There may be signs of premature skin aging.

Lab tests may show blood and pus in the urine, with or without signs of infection. There may be mild or no loss of protein in the urine.

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment    Return to top

The primary goals of treatment are to prevent further damage and to treat any existing kidney failure. The health care provider may tell you to stop taking all suspect painkillers, particularly OTC medications.

Signs of kidney failure should be treated as appropriate. This may include diet changes, fluid restriction, dialysis or kidney transplant, or other treatments.

Counseling, behavioral modification, or similar interventions may help you develop alternative methods of controlling chronic pain.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The damage to the kidney may be acute and temporary, or chronic and long term.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have signs of this condition, especially if there has been a history of use of painkillers.

Call your health care provider if blood or solid material is present in the urine, or if your urine output decreases.

Prevention    Return to top

Follow the directions of the health care provider when using medications, including OTC medications. Do not exceed the recommended dose of medications without the supervision of the health care provider.

Update Date: 8/14/2007

Updated by: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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