Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-induced renal tubular acidosis.

A child was evaluated for growth failure at the University of California, San Diego. On two occasions the patient had renal bicarbonate wasting, acidosis, and growth failure associated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) administration. On both occasions, the acidosis resolved and the growth rate normalized following a period without receiving TMP/SMZ. Renal tubular acidosis and growth failure may occur as a result of TMP/SMZ therapy in children.