Q: I have a niece that has migraines. She takes B. C. Powder at least three to four times a day and I think she is addicted to them or afraid she may have a headache coming on so she is proactive against them. She also has “low functioning kidneys”, whatever that means. Please address the consequences. She also takes Benadryl at night for sleep. Could the caffeine in the B. C. Powders be part of her sleep problem?
A: B. C. Powder is an over-the-counter pain reliever owned by Prestige Brands that is manufactured in Memphis, TN and distributed almost entirely in the southern portion portion of the US. Originally produced in Austria, the product contains 845 mg aspirin and 65 mg of caffeine. The product is endorsed for relief from headaches and is often referred to as B. C. Headache Powder, yet marketing strategies lean toward promoting it for the relief of aches and pains of the entire body. Dosing for adults and children 12 and older is one powder every three to four hours, not to exceed four powders in 24 hours which is equivalent to 3,380 mg acetylsalicylite acid (aspirin). There are numerous aspirin products on the market today. Other brands we are most familiar with range from 81 mg to 325 mg, so this product contains a higher amount of acetylsalicylite acid (aspirin) than most.
Children and teens are advised not to take aspirin for symptoms of the flu or chicken pox unless a physician is consulted because of Reye syndrome, a rare illness associated with aspirin in children and teens. Older individuals who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily should not take the product since the aspirin may cause stomach bleeding. Further, aspirin can cause a severe allergic reaction so it should be used according to directions. Individuals are warned not to exceed the recommended dosing and to consult a physician if symptoms of sleeplessness, dizziness or nervousness occur. So, to answer one of your questions, the product could definitely be linked with her sleep issues because of the caffeine content. A warning is also issued on B. C. Powder for individuals who have heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, hypertension, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, dyspnea, and a host of other conditions to speak with their physician prior to use.
The kidneys act as a filter system, eliminating waste from the blood. Decreased kidney function could be the result of a cardiovascular condition, chemical injuries, inflammation, infection, hypertension, diabetes, bladder obstruction, and even from an excess intake of protein. Physicians from the Mayo Clinic indicate heavy metals, alcohol, allergic reactions to antibiotics, cocaine and bacterial infections can damage the kidneys. Further, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine stated that an excessive intake of animal protein is associated with a decline in kidney function in women who already had a mild disease in kidney function. It went on to state that a low-protein diet may be appropriate for prevention of further kidney damage.
In my opinion this all points to the fact that your niece should be under the guidance of a top-notch specialist who can determine the cause for her low-functioning kidneys, even if this means she has to travel to a large teaching hospital. He or she may order lab testing and imaging studies for confirmation in an attempt to slow or halt further damage. She should take a copy of all test results with her for review by the urologist and should definitely discuss her aspirin intake, dietary preferences and what testing has been performed to date.
Other readers interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Kidney Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
