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The Kidney Stone Page |
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DRUGS
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 Here are some prescription drugs
which may be used in kidney-related problems.
They are listed by category of what they do.
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DRUGS & GENERICS |
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Toradol
Ketoralac
Acular
Nodine
Ketonic
Kelac...
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Kidney pain does not always respond to typical pain relievers, but Emergency Room physicians, who often see
kidney stone patients, frequently prescribe Toradol as the drug of choice.
Toradol can be injected in the hip, but it can take from 30 to 45 minutes for relief to be felt, which
admittedly can seem like a lifetime for any passer-of-kidney-stones. But when it finally "takes" the
effect can be remarkable if not downright miraculous.
It is available in tablet form as well, which makes it very convenient for chronic stone-producers to
ask for a prescription from their urologist for use at home and while traveling, in case of a stone attack.
Toradol and its generics are classified by the FDA as Analgesics, NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug),
class IB (modest therapeutic advantage) and are non-narcotic. It should only be taken short-term, no longer
than 5 days, and it carries quite a long list of risks. It can be hard on the stomach, and should never
be used with any other medications unless you have consulted your physician.
See http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/ketor.htm
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Allopurinol
Zyloprim
Novpurol
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Allopurinol is a widely used drug for the control of uric acid levels in the blood and in the urine.
Since high uric acid levels contribute to kidney stone production, this drug can be effective at slowing
the process.
Dosage is usually either 100 mg (white tablet) or 300 mg (peach tablet) per day. There are relatively
few side effects associated with this drug, but as with any pharmaceutical, consult with your doctor, who
must monitor you carefully if you are taking it.
Allopurinol is classified as an AntiGout. It is technically a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It is
formulated chemically as 1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-one.
See http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/allopur.htm
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Polycitra K
potassium citrate
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Polycitra is a prescription form of potassium citrate and citric acid. It is used to
lower uric acid levels by keeping it in solution, rather than letting it crystallize. Produced by Baker
Norton, it is available in boxes of 100 pre-measured packets with a fruit flavored, sugar-free dosage in
each one. Dosage is four times per day.
Since uric acid stones result from acidic urine, when your doctor prescribes citric acid, a natural
question arises: Why more acid? The short, unsatisfactory explanation is that the citrates, including
the juice from citrus, manages to alkalinize the system, the opposite of what you would expect, so your
body becomes less acidic. See your local chemistry professor for a more satisfying answer.
See "search" at http://www.rxlist.com for more info.
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Thiazide
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This diuretic agent can help decrease the reocurrence of stones produced by high
calcium in the urine of people who are genetically disposed to them. In simple terms, calcium in the
blood is more easily moved into bone tissue, resulting in a reduction of stone-producing calcium available
in the urine
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Oral Calcium supplements |
Trials indicate that Thiazide agents may reduce the reappearance of stones by fifty per cent. But as
with many medicines, there are several potentially dangerous side effects possible. These diuretics
should only be used under careful monitoring.
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Cholestyramine
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When the small bowel fails to adequately absorb nutrients, some patients are encouraged
to take oral calcium during each meal, which can prevent absorption of oxalate into the blood. The use of
supplements however, can be dangerous for people with any kidney problems and may actually increase stone
genesis if not carefully supervised by a physician.
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Pyridoxine |
This prescription is not frequently used, except to treat excess oxalate that results from an abnormal
lack of absorption in the small bowel. There are serious hazards associated with its use.
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Acetohydroxamic Acid |
In the case of a rare hereditary condition that over produces oxalates, this oral medication helps to
encourage the production of a specific enzyme necessary to balance oxalate levels. There are serious
potential side effects associated with this drug.
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| D-Penicillamine |
When the relatively rare circumstance in which struvite stones are caused by
infection, this is a drug which has been used with some success. In this case, bacteria produce the
stones, but this drug discourages a specific enzyme which the bacteria require for the process. Side
effects can be extreme and dangerous, so this drug is used rarely when the physician and patient agree
that the risks of the stones outweigh the risk of the medication.
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| Thiola |
These drugs make cystine more soluble, reducing the likelihood of stone
production. They are usually used orally as supplemental therapy in addition to increased water intake
and alkali management. There are common side effects affecting taste and others that can be more serious.
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This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If you need medical attention, consult your health care professional.
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