What is analgesic nephropathy?

Taking one or a mix of these medicines daily over a long time may cause chronic kidney problems. This is called analgesic nephropathy. Painkillers that combine two or more medicines (such as, aspirin and acetaminophen together) with caffeine or codeine are the most likely to harm the kidneys.

What are the signs and symptoms of nephropathy?

Symptoms

• Worsening blood pressure control.
• Protein in the urine.
• Swelling of feet, ankles, hands or eyes.
• Increased need to urinate.
• Reduced need for insulin or diabetes medicine.
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
• Shortness of breath.
• Loss of appetite.

Can you reverse analgesic nephropathy?

Acute kidney failure requires emergency dialysis to clean the blood. Kidney damage is frequently reversible, with normal kidney function returning after the emergency is over and the analgesic use is stopped.

How do you manage analgesic nephropathy?

Commonly used drugs associated with analgesic nephropathy include over-the-counter analgesics like aspirin, paracetamol/acetaminophen, and ibuprofen [1] Newer classes of analgesics/anti-inflammatory medications such as COX-2 inhibitors, were developed to decrease this complication.

How to know if you have analgesic nephropathy?

These are the most common symptoms of analgesic nephropathy: Fatigue or weakness, feeling unwell. Blood in the urine (hematuria) An increase in urination frequency or urgency. Pain in the back or flank area (where the kidneys are located) A decrease in urine output. Decreased alertness, such as drowsiness, confusion, or lethargy.

Can a chronic aspirin use cause analgesic nephropathy?

In this Article. Analgesic nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease that can sometimes lead to end-stage renal disease and the permanent need for dialysis or a kidney transplant to restore renal function. In addition, chronic aspirin use in recommended doses, while its an NSAID, does not cause analgesic nephropathy by itself.

What kind of nephritis is caused by analgesic mixtures?

Analgesic Nephropathy. Analgesic nephropathy (AN) is a specific form of renal disease characterized by renal papillary necrosis (RPN) and chronic interstitial nephritis caused by prolonged and excessive consumption of analgesic mixtures. It is caused by compound analgesic mixtures containing aspirin or antipyrine in combination with phenacetin,…

How is analgesic nephropathy treated in Stage 5 chronic kidney disease?

Treatment of analgesic nephropathy begins with the discontinuation of analgesics, which often halts the progression of the disease and may even result in normalization of kidney function. In Stage 5 chronic kidney disease patients renal replacement therapy may become necessary.