In the article, we consider drugs for urolithiasis in men and women.
If you suspect the formation of stones or sand in the kidneys, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. Drug treatment for urolithiasis plays a key role. Depending on the condition of the patient, as well as the course of the pathology, the doctor prescribes several drugs. Medicines not only help to dissolve and remove stones, but also help eliminate unpleasant symptoms that occur against the background of pathology. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to a significant deterioration in health and complications.
What causes urolithiasis?
There are external and internal factors that contribute to the emergence and further development of pathology. The main internal factor can be attributed to the violation of metabolic processes in the human body - fat, mineral or protein metabolism, resulting in the formation of excess substances that precipitate. Metabolic processes can be both a consequence of diseases, and an independent state. Violation of the outflow from the kidneys of urine through the ureters to the bladder and further from it to the urethra is an important factor. With such a violation, backflow of urine against the current or its stagnation in the bladder or kidneys can occur, which leads to the accumulation of salt deposits.
The outflow of urine can be impaired as a result of congenital malformations of the urinary organs, various inflammatory diseases, as well as traumatic injuries. For example, narrowing of the ureter, nephritis, prolapse of the kidney, cystitis, etc. Various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, liver, and other organs can also cause urolithiasis. Disorders in the adrenal gland and thyroid gland are internal factors that contribute to the formation of stones in the urinary tract.
So, what drugs are used for urolithiasis?
Painkillers and antispasmodics
The most common of the initial signs of the presence of sand or stones in the genitourinary system is pain. The pain becomes most intense when the stones begin to come out or move. To weaken the severity of colic, it is necessary to connect medication. To this end, the doctor prescribes painkillers and antispasmodics.
If a person has a predisposition to the appearance of urolithiasis, it is necessary to have similar drugs in a home medicine cabinet. This is due to the fact that colic can begin with lightning speed and have a cramping nature.
Most often, Papaverine is prescribed to eliminate colic. The drug allows you to relieve vasospasm. This medicine for urolithiasis has a minimum number of restrictions on use and adverse reactions. In addition, it does not have a systemic effect on the body, so it can be used by women during child bearing and breastfeeding.
Antibiotics: fluoroquinolones
Antibiotics for urolithiasis from the category of fluoroquinolones have been used for several decades. They differ from other fluoroquinolones in that they affect bacterial strains resistant to other drugs. Their effectiveness is due to a change and suppression of DNA of pathogenic microorganisms. Fluoroquinolones are often prescribed for the treatment of urolithiasis. The following drugs are considered the most common of them:
- Ofloxacin. It adversely affects bacterial cells, preventing them from multiplying, which leads to their death. The drug is prohibited for use by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in childhood. This is due to the fact that the drug has a significant number of adverse reactions.
What other medicine for urolithiasis can be used?
- "Lomefloxacin." The drug is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Its components also integrate into the DNA of bacteria, destroying their cells from the inside. The antibiotic shows a high degree of effectiveness in the treatment of diseases of the urinary organs, including stones. The dosage is calculated individually depending on the condition and age of the patient. The drug should not be taken by persons under the age of 18, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
- "Ciprofloxacin." Instructions for use with 500 mg tablets indicate that it is an antibacterial drug that is part of the second generation of fluoroquinolones. Active against many bacteria. The active component of the drug is synthesized in the DNA of harmful microorganisms and violates their integrity. Bacteria lose their ability to reproduce and eventually die. It has been proven that Ciprofloxacin is several times more effective than the similar Norfloxacin. The drug is active against gram-negative bacteria such as salmonella, hemophilic and Escherichia coli, Shigella, gonococci, meningococci, as well as gram-positive bacteria, including streptococci, enterococci, legionella, mycoplasma, chlamydia, etc. Thus, “Ciproflox has the overwhelming effect on all types of bacteria that provoke the development of cystitis and urolithiasis. It effectively fights many infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. This is confirmed by the instructions for use for tablets "Ciprofloxacin" 500 mg.
All of these drugs are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and are distributed to the liquid media and tissues in the body. Moreover, the bioavailability of fluoroquinolones reaches 70%. Urinary and bile preparations are excreted. It should be borne in mind that all of these drugs with urolithiasis are able to penetrate the placental barrier and into breast milk.
Antibiotics: Cephalosporins
This type of antibiotic is more extensive than fluoroquinolones. The action of cephalosporins is based on the introduction of disturbances in the structure of the bacterial cell wall. These antibiotics are often prescribed in medical practice, as they are low toxic and effective. The most popular antibacterial drugs from the category of cephalosporins are:
- Ceftazidime. This is a third-generation drug, it is indicated for the treatment of severe infectious diseases, the nature of which has not been elucidated. In the form of injections, the drug can be prescribed to children from the first day of life. However, during pregnancy and lactation, use the drug with caution.
- Cefepim. An even newer drug, representing the fourth generation of cephalosporins. It affects almost all varieties of harmful microorganisms. In fact, "Cefepim" is universal and is also used to treat urolithiasis. For children, the drug is prescribed from two months of age.
Antibiotics: aminoglycosides
These substances were discovered back in the 40s of the last century. The effectiveness of aminoglycosides is due to impaired protein production in bacteria, which leads to their gradual death. The disadvantage of this type of antibiotic is a short list of bacteria that they affect. With urolithiasis, the following drugs from this group are prescribed:
- Amikacin. Indications for this drug are quite extensive and include diseases of the genitourinary system. Before starting treatment with this drug, it is necessary to conduct a test for the sensitivity of infectious agents to active substances. The regimen is determined by the attending physician. The drug is administered by intramuscular injection. In pediatric practice, the drug is used to treat children from the first day of life, including premature infants. Contraindications to the use of the drug are liver diseases.
- Gentamicin. It is active in relation to many types of bacteria, which allows the use of the drug in several areas of medicine. Gentamicin is produced in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution, which is then used for intramuscular or intravenous administration. In pediatric practice, the drug is used only in emergency cases.
Antibiotics: carbapenems
The active components of antibacterial drugs from the discharge of carbapenems have a destructive effect on the cell walls of microorganisms, thereby causing the death of harmful bacteria. Substances with antibacterial effect are active against various groups of bacteria. The following drugs from this group are used to treat urolithiasis:
- "Meropenem." Used for intravenous administration. It can not be prescribed to children under the age of three months, as well as women during pregnancy and lactation. With caution, a drug is prescribed for diseases of the stomach or intestines. The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor.
- The combination of Cilastatin and Imipenem. It is prescribed for the treatment of certain infectious diseases, including urolithiasis. As in the previous case, the drug is contraindicated before the age of three months, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A combination of drugs is used for intravenous administration through a dropper.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect can relieve pain, lower body temperature and eliminate fever. The advantage of such drugs is a small list of adverse reactions. With urolithiasis, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to eliminate the inflammatory process that arose against the background of infection. The most common non-steroidal drugs are:
- Diclofenac. It is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It has a slight antipyretic effect. Contraindications for these injections with urolithiasis are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is administered intramuscularly. The treatment regimen and duration of use should be determined by the attending physician.
- Ketoprofen. It also helps relieve inflammation and pain. Available in various forms, which makes it possible to choose the right dosage. Contraindication for its use is pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.
On this, preparations for urolithiasis do not end there.
Plant-based diuretics and preparations
The main task of the kidneys is the processing and further elimination of excess fluid, as well as harmful salts from the body. The resulting swelling is the first sign of a pathological process in the work of the kidneys. Therefore, in the treatment of urolithiasis, a mandatory point in the therapeutic regimen is the appointment of diuretics. They are used only on condition of a small size of formations.
In order for the treatment with diuretics to be selected correctly and have the proper effect, it is important to identify the cause of the appearance of stones. For example, with the calcium and phosphate type of stones, potassium-sparing infusions of medicinal herbs that have a diuretic effect are used. With the oxalate type of stones, thiazide diuretics are used, such as Hydrochlorothiazide, Clopamide, Indapamide, Chlortalidone, etc.
The stage of development of the pathology and the condition of the patient is also an important factor in the appointment of tablets for urolithiasis. If the disease is at the initial stage of development, supplementation of the diet with products that have a diuretic effect is allowed.
Preparations based on synthetic substances are the most effective, however, they have many contraindications and adverse reactions. In addition to them, you can use similar preparations based on natural ingredients. They also give a positive result, however, do not have a detrimental effect on the body. Most of herbal preparations can be used in childhood, as well as during pregnancy.
Consider the popular stone-dissolving drugs.
"Kanefron" and "Cyston"
"Kanefron" is made in the form of tablets, which include medicinal plants that have an anti-inflammatory effect in the genitourinary system. With urolithiasis, the drug is prescribed to remove crushed stones and sand. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, Kanefron removes excess fluid from the body and relieves muscle cramps.
The drug can be prescribed for monotherapy, as well as be included in the complex treatment. The treatment regimen is selected by a specialist taking into account the results of a patient examination. The maximum daily dosage cannot exceed 6 tablets for adult patients and three for children who are over 10 years old. Since the drug is made on a plant basis, it is often used as a medicine for urolithiasis in women. After all, it can be prescribed during pregnancy and lactation. However, with diabetes, caution should be exercised when taking the tablets.
“Cyston” in urolithiasis is a drug that, among other things, acts as an antiseptic. It effectively removes stones and sand from the body. The drug is prescribed along with other drugs for the treatment of diseases of infectious origin. The composition of the drug is completely natural, so "Cyston" has virtually no contraindications. It should be borne in mind that the drug can cause an allergic reaction, accompanied by a rash and itching on the skin. In adults, the drug is taken up to three times a day in two tablets. "Cyston" is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age.
Cystenal and Enatin
"Cystenal" has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Used to treat urolithiasis. You can not use the drug for problems with the kidneys, as well as against a background of gastric ulcer. The drug is made in the form of drops, which are applied to a piece of sugar and taken orally. The treatment regimen is prescribed by a doctor, as a rule it is 3-4 drops for prophylactic purposes and up to 10 drops during an exacerbation. With caution, the drug is prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
"Anatin" is a combined action drug. It relieves inflammation, improves the excretion of bile and excess fluid, and also eliminates muscle cramps. It is prescribed for both prevention and treatment of urolithiasis. The drug is contraindicated in peptic ulcer, impaired urination and kidney function. The drug in the form of capsules is taken up to five times a day. For preventive purposes, "Anatin" is prescribed one capsule per day.
Tiopronin and Artemizol
The action of "Artemizole" is aimed at removing stone formations from the genitourinary system. Along with the drug, as a rule, a therapeutic diet is prescribed. The drug is available in the form of drops, which are applied to a piece of refined sugar and taken orally. On average, the duration of treatment with Artemizol is no more than 20 days. The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor depending on the nature of the disease and the condition of the patient.
To dissolve stones chemically, Tiopronin is used. Instructions for use indicate that this drug has the property to bind cystine, preventing its excretion in the urine. As a rule, "Thiopronin" is prescribed for penicillamine intolerance.