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Analgesic nephropathy

Phenacetin nephritis; Nephropathy - analgesic

 

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

Causes

 

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

This condition frequently occurs as a result of self-medicating, often for some type of chronic pain.

Risk factors include:

  • Use of OTC analgesics containing more than one active ingredient
  • Taking 6 or more pills a day for 3 years
  • Chronic headaches, painful menstrual periods, backache, or musculoskeletal pain
  • Emotional or behavioral changes
  • History of dependent behaviors including smoking, alcohol use, and excessive use of tranquilizers

 

Symptoms

 

There may be no symptoms in the beginning. Over time, as the kidneys are injured by the medicine, symptoms of kidney disease will develop and include:

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Increased urinary frequency or urgency
  • Blood in the urine
  • Flank pain or back pain
  • Decreased urine output
  • Decreased alertness including drowsiness, confusion, and lethargy
  • Decreased sensation , numbness (especially in the legs)
  • Nausea , vomiting
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Swelling throughout the body

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. During the exam, your provider may find:

  • Your blood pressure is high.
  • When listening with a stethoscope, your heart and lungs have abnormal sounds.
  • You have swelling (edema), especially in the lower legs.
  • Your skin shows premature aging.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Complete blood count
  • CT scan of the kidney
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  • Toxicology screen
  • Urinalysis
  • Kidney ultrasound

 

Treatment

 

The primary goals of treatment are to prevent further damage of the kidneys and to treat kidney failure. Your provider may tell you to stop taking all suspect painkillers, particularly OTC drugs.

To treat kidney failure, your provider may suggest diet changes and fluid restriction. Eventually, dialysis or kidney transplant may be needed.

Counseling may help you develop alternative methods of controlling chronic pain.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

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

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications that may result from analgesic nephropathy include:

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

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have signs of this condition, especially if you have been using painkillers for a long time.

Call your provider if you see blood or solid material in your urine, or if the amount of your urine has decreased.

 

Prevention

 

Follow your provider's instructions when using medicines, including OTC drugs. Do not take more than the recommended dose without asking your provider.

 

 

Open References

References

Khan KNM, Hard GC, Alden CL. Kidney. In: Haschek WM, Rousseaux CG, Wallig MA, eds. Haschek and Rousseaux's Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 47.

Taal MW. Risk factors and chronic kidney disease. In: Taal MW, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Yu ASL, Brenner BM, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 21.

 
  • Male urinary system

    Male urinary system - illustration

    The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder.

    Male urinary system

    illustration

    • Male urinary system

      Male urinary system - illustration

      The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder.

      Male urinary system

      illustration

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Analgesic nephropathy

       
         

        Review Date: 9/22/2015

        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. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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