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Acute renal failure after ingestion of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan
Evan Small1, Benjamin J Sandefur1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota.
Background:
Guaifenesin is a common nonprescription medication that has been implicated in drug-induced nephrolithiasis. Dextromethorphan, a nonprescription antitussive found in some guaifenesin-containing preparations, is increasingly recognized as a substance of abuse by many youth and young adults. Renally excreted medications known to have poor solubility in urine have the potential to precipitate when ingested in large quantity, leading to acute obstruction of the ureters and renal failure.
Objective:
We describe the case of a 22-year-old male who developed severe bilateral flank pain, hematuria, and oliguria after an isolated recreational ingestion of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.
Case Report:
The patient was found to have bilateral ureteral obstruction and acute renal failure, suspected to be secondary to precipitation of medication metabolites in the urine.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the potential for acute renal failure secondary to guaifenesin and dextromethorphan abuse.
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