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Over-the-Counter Analgesic Use

Laboratory of Pathophysiology and Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Correspondence: Dr. Marc E. De Broe, University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk/Antwerpen, Belgium. Phone: +32-3-820-2599; Fax: +32-3-820-2592; E-mail: marc.debroe{at}ua.ac.be

Chronic analgesic nephropathy, particularly chronic interstitial nephritis and renal papillary necrosis, results from daily use for many years of mixtures containing at least two analgesics and caffeine or dependence-inducing drugs. Computed tomography scan can accurately diagnose this disease even in the absence of reliable information on previous analgesic use. The occasion to moderate regular use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is without renal risk when renal function is normal. Paracetamol use is less clear although the risk is not great. The continued use of non–phenacetin-combined analgesics with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with faster progression toward renal impairment. As long as high-risk analgesic mixtures are available over the counter, analgesic nephropathy will continue to be a problem.

Copyright © 2009 by the American Society of Nephrology. Online ISSN: 1533-3450 Print ISSN: 1046-6673