Reversible acute renal allograft dysfunction due to gabapentin.
BACKGROUND
The use of gabapentin as an effective analgesic agent for neuropathic pain has expanded considerably. Its lack of both anticholinergic side effects and interference with the metabolism of drugs via the cytochrome P450 pathway make it especially useful for transplant recipients.


RESULTS
We describe the case of a renal transplant recipient with a long-term stable functioning allograft who developed reversible acute renal dysfunction after beginning gabapentin therapy for chronic pain due to diabetic neuropathy.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that gabapentin may cause acute renal dysfunction by a mechanism involving renal afferent vasoconstriction. Caution should be employed when considering the use of gabapentin in transplant recipients, especially when combined with other agents that may potentiate renal vasoconstriction.
Division of Transplant Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
B J
BJ
Gallay
A M
AM
de Mattos
D J
DJ
Norman
D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin