Hypermagnesemia and progression of renal failure associated with renacidin therapy

Renacidin is a urinary stone dissolving agent composed primarily of gluconic and citric acids and their magnesium salts, buffered to a pH of 4. We describe its use in a child with oxalosis, disabling renal colic and deteriorating renal function in whom its use was associated with hypermagnesemia and rapid progression of the renal failure. Possible mechanisms for the deterioration in renal function are discussed.