Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec are used commonly in the treatment of acid-peptic disorders.  Typically, the drug is well tolerated but serious adverse side effects such as acute interstitial nephritis (renal failure) have been reported.

What is Prilosec and How Does It Work?

Prilosec, also known as omeprazole is a medication approved for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux.

Prilosec is a type of drug known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which blocks the production of acid in the stomach. It works to relieve symptoms associated with heartburn and helps to heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus.

Prilosec also helps to prevent ulcers and may prevent cancer in the esophagus.

Prilosec and Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN) is a condition in which the spaces between the kidney tubules become inflamed or swollen. Although acute interstitial nephritis is typically a temporary condition, it can lead to more severe kidney problems such as acute kidney failure.

There are many potential causes of acute interstitial nephritis, including side effects associated with the use of PPIs such as Prilosec.

According to research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, use of omeprazole led to 17 cases of acute interstitial nephritis.

Among the reported cases of acute interstitial nephritis, omeprazole was used on average nearly three months before the onset of acute interstitial nephritis symptoms.

The journal also describes another case in which a 36-year-old woman presented with symptoms that included nausea, vomiting, weight loss and a rising serum creatinine concentration. The woman was using omeprazole two weeks prior to these symptoms and was diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis.

Additionally, studies published in the peer-reviewed medical journal BMC Nephrology and previous publications have suggested an association between the use of PPIs and acute interstitial nephritis.

According to the article, numerous biopsy-confirmed case reports and retrospective descriptive reports have been published suggesting a connection between PPI use and acute interstitial nephritis. These include research published in 2006 citing three cases of omeprazole-associated acute interstitial nephritis.

The New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch also released information in 2006 about a case series and literature review that indicated an association between all five commercially available PPIs, including Prilosec, and the development of acute interstitial nephritis.

Although many of those patients experienced some recovered renal function, some patients retained a degree of renal impairment.

Symptoms of acute interstitial nephritis include:

• Blood in the urine
• Fever
• Increased or decreased urine output
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Swelling of the body
• Weight gain from retaining fluid

Other Prilosec Risks

Other risks and serious side effects have been associated with the use of Prilosec to treat acid reflux disease.

If a patient experiences problems associated with serious kidney conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI) or kidney failure, they are advised to contact their doctor or healthcare professional immediately.

Complications of these diseases may lead to dialysis, kidney transplant or death.

Prilosec and acute interstitial nephritis lawsuits may be an option for patients who used the medication to treat acid reflux disease and suffered from serious side effects associated with the medication, including acute interstitial nephritis.

Affected patients and their families may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of a Prilosec lawsuit attorney.