title: An over-the-counter omission.
abstract: Despite the widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, their utilization is rarely ascertained at hospital admission. Presented here is an interesting case of acute renal failure and hemolytic anemia attributable to a commonly utilized OTC medication. The chronic use of phenazopyridine accounted for all of these findings. Upon discontinuation, everything normalized within one month. Although the differential diagnosis for renal failure and hemolytic anemia is extensive, scleral icterus, normal bilirubin, and orange-colored urine raised the suspicion of phenazopyridine use. This case report highlights overuse of common OTC medications, as well as a lack of knowledge of potential adverse reactions. With history-taking vigilance and patient education, adverse events from OTC medications can be minimized.
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Medicine, 75 Francis Street, PB/B4/424, Boston, MA 02115, USA. dscheurer@partners.org
authors.forename: Danielle Bowen
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Scheurer
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010621:Phenazopyridine / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010621:Phenazopyridine