Acute interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure associated with cimetidine therapy

We are reporting the clinical and pathologic features of severe acute renal failure which developed in a patient after the institution of cimetidine (Targamet) therapy. A renal biopsy specimen revealed an acute interstitial nephritis with numerous plasma cells and eosinophils suggestive of an immunologic reaction. Marked improvement of renal function occurred within three weeks after cessation of the drug therapy. Our clinical and pathologic data strongly suggest an association between acute interstitial nephritis and cimetidine, a suggestion which should be confirmed by additional case studies.