Contents
Kidney stones are the result of metabolic disorders in the body. Failures can occur due to malnutrition, due to disturbances in the work of the endocrine glands and for other reasons. As a result, the acid-base balance of urine is disturbed, and stones begin to form in the kidneys. Naturally, any person who learns about the presence of a calculus in the kidneys begins to be interested primarily in non-surgical methods of treating urolithiasis.
Conservative therapy for urolithiasis is possible. Moreover, doctors strongly recommend getting rid of kidney stones without surgery. In this regard, only every 20th patient gets on the operating table. Modern medicines act in such a way that stones turn into sand, and then are excreted from the body along with urine.
Taking medications helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. Some drugs affect the level of urine acidity, others help to reduce the level of stone-forming substances in human blood, and others actively help the body in the process of removing these substances from the body.
The selection of drugs for the treatment of urolithiasis is impossible without a preliminary diagnosis. The tactics of treatment will be determined taking into account the location of the stone, as well as taking into account its chemical composition. If a person has kidney stones that have reached a large size, then first of all, it is necessary to change the acidity of urine.
Signs of the presence of formations
The following symptoms may indicate kidney stones:
Hematuria (blood is found in the urine).
Urination disorders (a person has a feeling that his bladder is full, the outflow of urine is difficult).
The appearance of pain in the lumbar region. Sometimes the pain can be very intense, possibly accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In this case, we are talking about renal colic.
A person often has relapses of inflammatory kidney disease.
Tablets from urates
Urate stones are formed from uric acid salts. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys allows to identify urates, x-rays are not informative. Urate stones can be dissolved by taking drugs that lower the level of uric acid.
Among these medicines:
Allopurinol. The drug helps to dissolve and remove urates from the kidneys by reducing the acidity of urine.
Purinol. An effective drug for dissolving urate stones.
potassium citrate. This drug can be used to treat patients who do not have an excess of calcium in the urine. Taking potassium citrate prevents the recurrence of stones.
Phosphate pills
In order to get rid of phosphate stones, it is necessary to increase the level of acidity of the urine. In addition to taking medications, the patient will need to adhere to a dietary diet, with the inclusion of acidic foods in the menu.
Madder extract. This drug practically does not give side effects, but it removes stones from the kidneys well. Taking the extract can reduce the discomfort that occurs during the passage of stones through the urinary tract, as it has an antispasmodic effect. It is worth preparing for the fact that after the start of treatment with Madder Extract, the urine will acquire a reddish tint. It has nothing to do with hematuria.
spilled
This drug with high efficiency allows you to remove phosphate stones from the kidneys.
Pros
Prolit is a source of organic acids, the action of which is aimed at improving the functioning of the urinary system as a whole.
Another plus of treatment with Prolit is that it allows you to normalize your metabolism. After all, it is failures in metabolic processes that are the main reason for the formation of kidney stones.
The undoubted advantage of Prolit is that it consists of natural ingredients. This minimizes the risk of side effects.
Prolit acts as a diuretic, preventing excess fluid from remaining in the body in general, and in the urinary tract in particular.
The drug has an antiseptic effect. This helps to prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the kidneys.
Prolit is convenient to take and transport, as it is available in capsules. It is necessary to drink 1-2 capsules, 2-3 times a day. As a rule, 1-2 months will be enough to remove sand and small phosphate stones from the kidneys.
Another plus of the drug Prolit is its over-the-counter dispensing from pharmacies. However, before starting treatment, you should visit a doctor.
Cons
The main disadvantage of Prolit is that after taking it, allergic reactions may occur. However, allergy develops more often in those patients who are hypersensitive to the components of the drug. Therefore, before you start taking it, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition of the drug.
The presence of contraindications is another minus of Prolit. It should not be taken against the background of high blood pressure. This should be taken into account in patients with kidney stones. Also, Prolit is not prescribed for the treatment of patients with severe atherosclerosis, pregnant and lactating women. Do not use the drug to remove stones in people prone to insomnia and in patients with neuroses.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to examine the gallbladder, since Prolit should not be taken by people who have large stones in this organ.
Oxalate tablets
Oxalate stones are quite difficult to dissolve, so the course of treatment must be long. To get rid of oxalate stones, the following drugs are used:
Cholestyramine. The drug works at the level of the gastrointestinal tract. After penetration into the intestine, its active components bind to oxalates and prevent them from being absorbed. Their level in the urine falls, and already existing stones begin to break down. Then, the formed sand goes out through the urinary tract.
Cyston
This drug is an effective remedy for removing kidney stones. It has no effect on the acidity of urine.
Pros
The main advantage of Cyston is its high efficiency in the fight against urolithiasis due to the complex effect on the urinary system. The drug has both a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (by eliminating muscle spasms) and antibacterial action.
The unequivocal advantage of Cyston is that it consists of natural ingredients, which minimizes the risk of side effects.
Cyston can be taken by patients with urolithiasis against the background of renal colic, as it will help reduce pain and alleviate the person’s condition.
The most common complications of kidney stones are inflammatory diseases such as cystitis and pyelonephritis. Ceston allows you to speed up recovery and relieve inflammation, since it simultaneously has an antibacterial effect and affects the root cause of inflammation (i.e., dissolves stones).
It is worth mentioning that Cyston is well tolerated by patients. This makes it one of the popular remedies used to treat urolithiasis. In addition, it can be combined with other drugs, but a preliminary medical consultation is necessary.
One of the significant advantages of Cyston is that it can be used to treat even pregnant and lactating women. However, the dosage must be strictly observed.
Cons
The only drawback of the drug are contraindications to its use. Cystone is not indicated for the treatment of people with large kidney stones (larger than 10 mm), as they contribute to the obstruction of the flow of urine. It is worth refusing treatment with Cyston for people who are hypersensitive to the components of the drug.
Aspark
This drug is considered one of the most effective means for the treatment of urolithiasis. It is used to remove urate and oxalate stones. However, during therapy with Asparkam, strict medical supervision is necessary. Asparkam’s analogue is Panangin.
Pros
The most important advantage of the drug Asparkam is its high efficiency, because it allows you to remove even the hardest stones from the kidneys – oxalate. After taking the drug, the stones break up and go out in the form of sand through the urinary tract.
Asparkam is a time-tested drug and this is its undoubted plus. Doctors know exactly what side effects can occur from the use of Asparkam, which helps to prevent their development.
A clear advantage of the drug Asparkam is the possibility of its use in pregnant women. However, during treatment, care should be taken and strictly adhere to the medical instructions.
Asparkam can be used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of urolithiasis. It is important that they do not have a potassium-sparing effect.
As a rule, taking Asparkam is well tolerated, and side effects are extremely rare.
Cons
The drug can affect the functioning of the heart, so you should not use it for more than 3 days and without medical supervision.
Self-medication with Asparkam is unacceptable, since non-compliance with the dosage can lead to the fact that, along with oxalate stones, the salts he needs will be washed out of the body.
The disadvantage of the drug is that it can significantly increase the level of magnesium and potassium in the blood. This leads to disruption of the heart muscle and nervous system, and can also provoke the re-formation of kidney stones. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and frequency of administration.
Self-treatment with Asparkam is impossible, as it has an impressive list of contraindications and side effects. So, it is forbidden to prescribe the drug to people suffering from renal failure (chronic and acute), against the background of anuria and oliguria, with metabolic acidosis. These contraindications are especially important for patients with kidney stones.
Also do not use Asparkam for the treatment of patients on hemodialysis and against the background of dehydration.
It is worth noting such negative manifestations that may occur after taking Asparkam, such as: violation of myocardial conduction, disorders of the digestive system (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.), allergic reactions, signs of hypermagnesemia (respiratory depression, fever ).
Universal preparations that break stones
There are drugs that can dissolve any stones, regardless of their chemical composition.
Such means include:
Penicillamine. This drug is most often prescribed when cystine kidney stones are found.
Thiopronin. This drug can be used to treat patients with urolithiasis, regardless of the chemical composition of the stones.
However, despite the high effectiveness of Thiopronin, it is prescribed only in extreme cases, when other drugs do not help. The fact is that the drug is very toxic.
Blemaren
Taking the drug contributes to the alkalization of urine, increases the content of sodium and potassium ions in it. Blemaren is actively used for the treatment of uric acid-oxalate and calcium-oxalate stones, provided that the content of oxalates in them is not more than 25%. The active removal of calcium stones is facilitated by potassium citrate, which is part of Blemaren.
Pros
The main advantage of Blemaren is that it not only helps to remove stones from the body, but also does not allow new stones to form. This is possible due to the normalization of the acidity level of urine to pH6,6-6,8. In addition, against the background of treatment with Blemaren, the solubility of calcium oxalate in the urine improves, since the drug inhibits the formation of crystals.
The advantages of Blemaren include its high bioavailability, which is 100%.
The drug has a very convenient form of release – effervescent tablets for dissolution in water, and the resulting solution has a pleasant lemon taste.
Another advantage of the Blemaren preparation is the presence of a control calendar and an indicator in the kit, which allows you to determine the level of urine acidity and record the values obtained.
It is very convenient that Blemaren can be combined with other drugs for the treatment of urolithiasis. However, you must first consult with your doctor, as there are some restrictions. Taking Blemaren enhances the effect of Allopurinol.
Blemaren can be used to treat patients with diabetes mellitus.
Cons
The main disadvantage of Blemaren is the presence of contraindications, which often do not allow its use for the treatment of patients with urolithiasis. For example, it is forbidden to take it for chronic urinary tract infections, as well as for impaired renal excretory function. Blemaren is not prescribed for renal failure, with hypokalemic paralysis.
If the patient suffers from a severe form of arterial hypertension and adheres to a salt-free diet, then he is also prohibited from using Blemaren for the treatment of urolithiasis.
Another disadvantage of Blemaren is the side effects that may occur after taking it: digestive disorders (heartburn, belching, diarrhea, flatulence), as well as allergic reactions and swelling. In addition, Blemaren is not used to treat pregnant women and children.
difficult to tolerate by patients.
Uralit U
This drug helps to remove calcium-containing and uric acid stones from the kidneys due to the alkalinization of urine. The main active ingredient in it is Potassium sodium hydrocitrate.
Pros
The main advantage of the drug Uralit U is that it not only promotes the removal of stones from the kidneys, but also prevents their formation. After taking the drug, the level of urine acidity returns to normal, and, as a rule, does not exceed 7,2
Very convenient form of release of the drug. It is available in granules for the preparation of a solution. Therefore, along with the drug, a person receives an additional portion of water, which is very important for people with urolithiasis. Uralit U has a pleasant lemon flavor.
Uralit U has a high bioavailability, which is equal to 100%. This means that all active ingredients will be fully absorbed by the body. The drug is excreted in the urine.
The drug comes with an indicator that allows you to measure the level of urine acidity, which is very convenient for home treatment. In addition, knowledge of this indicator allows you to adjust the dose of the drug. Most often, it is well tolerated by patients and does not cause side effects.
Cons
Uralit U has very few drawbacks, which include the presence of contraindications to taking the drug, as well as side effects that may occur during the treatment.
So, you should not prescribe Uralit U to patients with chronic and acute renal failure. It should not be used to treat patients with urinary tract infections, with heart failure, with metabolic alkalosis. Another restriction to taking the drug is a salt-free diet, which the patient adheres to. Do not use Uralit U for the treatment of children under 12 years of age and for the treatment of pregnant women.
After taking the drug, dyspeptic disorders, the appearance of edema and allergic reactions may occur.
Also, during treatment with Uralit U, it is necessary to remember about cross-reactions that may occur when the drug is taken together with other drugs, for example, with cardiac glycosides. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Medicines of natural origin
To remove stones from the kidneys, it is possible to use drugs that are not of chemical, but of natural origin. They can be used to treat children and pregnant women. In addition, they are safe for health, as they have a minimal set of side effects.
Among these drugs:
Cysto-Transit. This drug is used to remove sand and small stones from the kidneys. In addition, urologists prescribe it for the prevention of urolithiasis.
Urolax (Yurai). This drug allows you to dissolve even the hardest stones in the kidneys, while providing an anti-inflammatory effect.
Kinefron
This drug is often prescribed to remove stones that have any chemical composition.
Pros
The main advantage of Canephron is its high efficiency in the treatment of urolithiasis. This is possible due to the fact that the drug has a complex effect on the human body. It has a diuretic, analgesic (antispasmodic), anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
Canephron can be used to remove kidney stones even against the background of complications such as cystitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.
The advantage of Kanefron in comparison with other drugs for the treatment of urolithiasis is its natural basis and the possibility of using it for preventive purposes.
The patient can independently choose the most appropriate form of release of the drug for him. Kanefron can be purchased in the form of a dragee and in the form of a solution.
The drug can be used to treat children and pregnant women. Moreover, obstetrician-gynecologists very often recommend Canephron for pregnant women to reduce swelling.
Cons
The disadvantages of the drug Kanefron is the presence of contraindications. So, it is not used to treat patients suffering from alcoholism (this applies to the solution of the drug). Canephron is not given to children under one year old (for solution) or up to 6 years old (for dragees). You should not take Kanefron if there is hypersensitivity to the components that make up its composition.
Another disadvantage of Kanefron is the possibility of side effects, including allergic reactions and dyspeptic disorders.
Urolean
The drug effectively cleanses the kidneys of sand and small stones.
Pros
Urolesan is a 100% natural product, as it contains only herbal ingredients.
Another advantage of Urolesan is the provision of a complex effect on the human urinary system. The drug can be used in renal colic to reduce pain, in inflammatory diseases of the kidneys to provide a diuretic and antibacterial effect. In addition, Urolesan acts as a choleretic agent.
Urolesan was developed over 30 years ago, which makes it possible to judge its safety for the treatment of people of different ages. Accumulated experience indicates that this is an effective drug used to remove sand and small stones from the kidneys.
Another plus of the drug is the variety of forms of release. You can buy Urolesan in capsules, drops and syrup.
The advantage of Urolesan is that it is able to have a mild sedative effect, which is very necessary for a person suffering from any disease. At the same time, there is no depression of the central nervous system and psychomotor reactions.
The effect of taking Urolesan can be felt already 20 minutes after taking it. The drug is excreted from the body naturally.
The drug has practically no side effects. Those undesirable reactions of the body, which are indicated in the instructions for use, most often occur when the dosage is not observed.
Cons
The disadvantages of Urolesan include the presence of contraindications and the minimum set of side effects that may occur after taking it. So, the drug is not prescribed for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as in the presence of stones in the kidneys or gall bladder, the diameter of which exceeds 3 mm.
Side effects occur very rarely, however, the appearance of such reactions from the body as: nausea and dizziness is not excluded. You can get rid of discomfort by drinking a cup of strong tea.
Rules for taking drugs
It is possible to achieve results in the treatment of urolithiasis only if certain rules are observed, including:
Before starting to take any drug, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations aimed at determining the chemical composition of the stones and their size.
It is important to strictly follow all the recommendations given by the doctor.
All drugs should be taken at the same time.
During treatment, you need to drink plenty of fluids. To get rid of urate and oxalate stones, Essentuki and Borjomi mineral water is prescribed. Mineral waters such as Narzan and Smirnovskaya help to remove phosphate stones from the kidneys.
The patient should adhere to a dietary diet, limiting the intake of protein foods and salt.
Means that promote the removal of stones
Patients with urolithiasis are prescribed antispasmodics, which make it easier to remove stones from the kidneys, making this process less painful. Among these drugs:
Spazmalgon.
But-shpa.
Phytolith.
Baralgin.
To prevent the formation of kidney stones, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
Observe the drinking regime (you need to drink not 2,5 liters of water per day);
Move more;
Adhere to the principles of good nutrition.
Determining the tactics of treating urolithiasis, the doctor proceeds from their individual characteristics of the patient’s body. The composition of the stones and their dimensions are important. More than 80% of patients are diagnosed with small stones, which makes it possible to get rid of them using conservative methods of treatment.
Mineral waters that dissolve kidney stones
Drinking mineral water helps dissolve kidney stones. However, you need to choose it correctly.
Alkaline mineral water is suitable for treating patients with urate and oxalate stones. These are such drinks as: Borjomi, Dilijan, Essentuki 17, Polyana Kvasova.
Acidic mineral water effectively removes phosphate stones from the body. These are such drinks as: Narzan, Mirgorodskaya, Smirnovskaya.
A bottle of mineral water may have a number on it. If the number 17 is indicated, then the water is alkaline. The code after the name is the number 4, then such water is slightly alkaline. It should be borne in mind that mineral waters with the same name may have a different alkaline balance and acidity. It is to determine this indicator that water is numbered.
Is this treatment effective at all?
Treatment of urolithiasis will certainly achieve the desired effect if the patient follows the following recommendations:
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full urological examination. Based on its results, it should become known which kidney stones the patient has, what their composition and size are.
All drugs for the treatment of urolithiasis must be prescribed by a doctor. He also selects the optimal dosage and determines the frequency of taking medications.
Self-treatment of urolithiasis is unacceptable.
All drugs should be taken at the same time.
As a rule, the stones begin to dissolve after 14 days from the start of treatment. The effect can be enhanced by supplementing the intake of drugs with a diet. It is important not to interrupt the started course. If necessary, the doctor may refer the patient to undergo lithotripsy. When kidney stones are large, surgery is required.