Analgesic Nephropathy: A neglected cause of Chronic Kidney Disease.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Analgesic nephropathy is a preventable cause of chronic renal failure that occurs due to excessive use of over the counter (OTC) analgesics. Misuse or long term use of OTCs’ without prior consultation from any healthcare professional leads to serious health problems. Case presentation Current is the case of a 48 years old woman who was presented to hospital complaining of high blood pressure and breathlessness. Patient was neither diabetic nor hypertensive. Upon examination, it was revealed that she is suffering from analgesic nephropathy due to long term use of Ibuprofen for her knee pain. Patient was diagnosed with chronic renal failure with associated hypertension. Conclusion: Long term use of OTCs’ without prior consultation of healthcare providers may lead to serious unwanted side effects and complications. Misuse of such medications should be strictly discouraged and such patients should be encouraged to undergo renal screening tests as early as possible.