Health Encyclopedia

Analgesic nephropathy

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Phenacetin nephritis; Nephropathy - analgesic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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:

Use of OTC analgesics containing more than one active ingredient
Chronic headache
Chronic backache or musculoskeletal pain
Emotional or behavioral changes
History of dependent behaviors including smoking, alcoholism, and excessive use of tranquilizers
Pain with menstrual periods

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

Urinary tract infections (see acute UTI)
Interstitial nephritis
Renal calculi
Prerenal azotemia
Congestive heart failure
Blood volume depletion (such as dehydration)

Symptoms

Weakness
Fatigue
Increased urinary frequency or urgency
Blood in the urine
Flank pain or back pain, renal colic (occasional)
Decreased urine output
Decreased alertness
Decreased sensation, numbness (especially of extremities)
Nausea, vomiting
Easy bruising or bleeding
Swelling, generalized

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and tests

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:

Complete blood count
Examination of sediment or tissue passed in the urine
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
Toxicology screen
Urinalysis

Treatment

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.

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Complications

Acute renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Interstitial nephritis
Renal papillary necrosis (tissue death)
Urinary tract infections, chronic or recurrent
Hypertension
Transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney or ureter

Calling your health care provider

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

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.

Review Date:8/14/2007
Reviewed 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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