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An over-the-counter omission.

Article Excerpt
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.

Key Words: over-the-counter medications, phenazopyridine, acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia

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Despite the widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications by patients, their utilization is rarely ascertained at the time of hospital admission. Presented here is an interesting case of acute renal failure and hemolytic anemia attributable to a commonly utilized OTC medication.

Case Report

The patient was a 58-year-old white female with no significant past medical history who presented to her primary care physician with a two-week history of severe fatigue. Although usually active, she had become progressively more...