Analgesic nephropathy

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Phenacetin nephritis; Nephropathy - analgesic; Nephropathy - NSAID

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) medicines that contain phenacetin or acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

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

Risk factors include:

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, including:

Exams and Tests

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

Tests that may be done include:

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 medicines.

To treat kidney failure, your provider may suggest diet changes and fluid restriction. Eventually, dialysis or a 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:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have any of the following:

Prevention

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

References

Aronson JK. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and combinations. In: Aronson JK, eds. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:474-493.

Parazella MA, Rosner MH. Tubulointerstitial diseases. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 35.

Segal MS, Yu X. Herbal and over-the-counter medicines and the kidney. In: Johnson RJ,, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 79.


Review Date: 8/28/2023
Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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