Analgesic nephropathy

Analgesic nephropathy is an injury to the kidneys caused by analgesic medications such as aspirin, phenacetin, and paracetamol.

The kidney injuries seem to result from decreased blood flow to the kidney, rapid consumption of antioxidants, and subsequent oxidative damage to the kidney epithelial cells. This kidney damage may lead to

• progressive chronic kidney failure

• abnormal urinalysis results

• high blood pressure

• anemia

A small proportion of individuals with analgesic nephropathy may develop end-stage kidney disease.