Alternate Names : Phenacetin nephritis, Nephropathy – analgesic
Definition
Analgesic nephropathy involves damage to one or both kidneys caused by overexposure to mixtures of medications, especially over-the-counter pain remedies (analgesics).
Overview, Causes, & 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.
About 6 or more pills per day for 3 years increases the risk some for this problem. 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 headaches, painful menstrual periods, backache, or musculoskeletal pain
* Emotional or behavioral changes
* History of dependent behaviors including smoking, alcoholism, and excessive use of tranquilizers
Pictures & Images
Male urinary system
The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder.
Analgesic nephropathy: Overview, Causes
Analgesic nephropathy: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
Analgesic nephropathy: Treatment
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
