Kidney Stones - Medications

Organic Acids. Medical treatments to dissolve stones may be useful with in patients who do not respond or in combination with surgeries, although they have limited long-term use. Acidic urine dissolves struvite stones, so the doctor may irrigate the urinary tract with a solution of organic acids (e.g., Renacidin). Candidates for irrigation must have sterile urine and healthy kidney function. In surgical patients, irrigation is performed four or five days after the operation. The urinary tract is irrigated with saline for one to two days, and if there are no problems, the organic acid solution is administered for another one or two days until all stones are dissolved. The patient's urine should be tested on a regular basis to be sure that bacteria do not return.

Aluminum Hydroxide Gel. An aluminum hydroxide gel anti-acid may reduce phosphate levels but it carries a long-term risk of aluminum toxicity. Prolonged depletion of phosphorus can also increase the risk for calcium oxalate stones. Experts recommend limiting phosphorus through a low-protein diet.

Medications for Cystine Stones

The first-line treatment for cystine stones is increasing the alkalization of urine so the stone can dissolve. If alkalization fails, drugs such as d-penicillamine, alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine (tiopronine), or captopril may be used to lower cystine concentration. Fluid intake for cystine stones must be even more voluminous than for regular stones. The patient should uniformly drink at least four quarts of water over a 24-hour period.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4   previous | next

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page