Analgesic nephropathy

Alternative names:

nephropathy - analgesic; phenacetin nephritis

Treatment:

The primary goals of treatment are to prevent further damage and to treat any existing kidney failure. All suspect analgesics, particularly over-the-counter (OTC) medications, must be stopped.

Signs of kidney failure should be treated as appropriate to the extent and severity of the kidney failure. This may include dietary changes, fluid restriction, dialysis or kidney transplant, and other treatment.

Counseling, behavioral modification, or similar interventions may assist in developing alternative methods of chronic pain control.

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
• transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate analgesic nephropathy may be present, especially if there has been a history of use of analgesics.

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