Phenazopyridine, an azo dye, is commonly used to relieve dysuria caused by bladder irritation or infection. We report the case of a 64-year-old lady who presented with unexplained sub-acute onset hemolytic anaemia followed by acute kidney injury (AKI) and jaundice. This created a diagnostic dilemma until concealed phenazopyridine abuse was discovered. Discontinuation of Phenazopyridine improved renal function and hemoglobin level to baseline without any other intervention. Prompt urinalysis proved crucial in solving the diagnostic challenge. We also present a review of literature highlighting the association of this commonly used medication with renal tubular dysfunction, interstitial nephritis and hemolytic anemia.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.