Pseudoephedrine accumulation in renal failure.
Neuropsychiatric complications, such as metabolic encephalopathy, are common occurrences in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Frequently, metabolic encephalopathy develops in relationship to the multiple pharmacologic therapies routinely employed in this population. Such polypharmacy often leads to adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, or dosage error. In this regard, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are commonly perceived as being "somewhat benign" when, in fact, their potential for adverse effect may be significant. The authors describe the course of a 64-year-old hemodialysis patient who became intoxicated on conventional doses of pseudoephedrine only to regain neurologic integrity upon discontinuation of the medication.
Sica
D A
DA
Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.
Comstock
T J
TJ
D004809:Ephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006435:Renal Dialysis
D004809:Ephedrine