Citation

Berney-Meyer L, Putt T, Schollum J, Walker R. Nephrology 2011; 17(2): 99-103.

Affiliation

Department of Medicine, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1440-1797.2011.01537.x

PMID

22066519

Abstract

N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) is the active ingredient in recreational 'party' pills with a stimulant, euphoric mechanism of action akin to that of 3,4, methylenedeoxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy). Many people (ab)use BZP-based party pills usually without any significant toxic effects. However, nephrotoxicity secondary to hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis has been reported. Another serious renal related side effect is hyponatraemia with acute cerebral oedema. There is also evidence that these agents may have a specific toxic effect producing acute kidney injury. Thus acute kidney injury either direct or secondary to the effects of BZP or MDMA need to be considered when any individual presents with symptoms of a recreational party drug overdose.

Language: en