As the name implies, kidney stone crushing drugs have the main function of destroying kidney stones. In addition, this drug is also used to prevent the formation of kidney stones again and help remove kidney stones through urine.
Kidney stones are solid crystals that form in the kidneys. The formation of kidney stones is caused by the buildup of certain mineral substances in the blood that settle in the kidneys and over time harden to resemble stones.
Several types of substances that can settle in the kidneys and cause kidney stones are calcium, uric acid, oxalate, magnesium, phosphate, ammonia, and the amino acid cysteine.
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing kidney stones, namely:
- A diet high in protein, salt, and sugar, but lacking in fiber.
- Suffering from certain diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections, gout, digestive disorders, and diabetes.
- Being overweight or obese.
- The habit of drinking less water or mild dehydration in the long term.
- Have a genetic disorder, such as cystinuria. This condition causes sufferers to experience a buildup of the amino acid cysteine in the blood.
- Side effects of certain medications or supplements, such as anticonvulsants, diuretics, HIV medications protease inhibitors,such as idinavir, as well as calcium and vitamin C supplements.
Kidney stone disease is not always symptomatic, especially if the stones that form are small and can pass on their own through the urinary tract. However, when the stone that forms is large enough and causes blockage in the urinary tract, then the kidney stone can cause several symptoms, such as:
- Back and waist pain. This pain may radiate to the lower abdomen.
- Feeling the urge to pee frequently.
- The pee is stuttering and painful.
- Dark and reddish urine or bloody pee.
- Nausea and vomiting.
If there are signs of kidney stone symptoms above, you should immediately consult a doctor for further examination and treatment.
Treating Kidney Stones with Medicines
Treatment of kidney stones varies, depending on the type of stone and its cause. Some of these types of kidney stones include calcium stones, struvite stones (stones that form due to urinary tract infections), and uric acid stones.
But in general, there are several types of kidney stone crushing drugs that can usually be prescribed by a doctor. Several kinds of drugs to destroy kidney stones include:
1. Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a medication that is used to help break down this type of uric acid stone. This drug works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body.
2. Alpha blockers
Alpha blocking drugs (alpha-blockers) serves to help destroy kidney stones that are large enough, which is about 5-10 millimeters. Once crushed, the remaining small kidney stones will pass by itself through the urine. This drug also works by relaxing the muscles of the urinary tract, making it easier for kidney stones to pass.
Several types of drugs are included in the alpha blocker class, including: tamsulosin, doxazosin, and terazosin.
3. Diuretics
Diuretics are drugs that increase urine production and make you urinate more often. One type of diuretic that is widely used to treat kidney stones is a type diureticthiazide.
This drug works by reducing the absorption of salt and minerals in the kidneys, thereby increasing the production of urine in the body. As a result, you will urinate more frequently and small kidney stones can pass through the urine. This drug also serves to prevent the formation of recurrent kidney stones.
4. Sodium bicarbonate
This drug, also known as sodium citrate, is usually given to treat symptoms that arise due to excess stomach acid production. This drug also helps the kidneys remove the uric acid content that triggers the formation of kidney stones.
In addition, sodium bicarbonate is also used to prevent kidney stone disease from getting worse.
To relieve pain or discomfort due to kidney stones in the urinary tract, usually kidney stone patients will be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and diclofenac.For very severe pain that doesn't go away with regular pain medication, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers, such as ketorolac, morphine, and fentanyl.
In addition to drugs, to help remove kidney stones and prevent the formation of repeated stones, you also need to drink lots of water.
Keep in mind, some of the kidney stone crushing drugs that have been mentioned above should only be consumed through a doctor's prescription.
For certain cases, such as kidney stones that are large, large in number, and completely block the urinary tract, then these kidney stones need to be treated with special procedures, such as crushing kidney stones with shock waves (ESWL) or kidney stone surgery.
Some herbal products or supplements are claimed to treat kidney stones. However, you are advised not to take herbal medicines that have not been tested for their efficacy as a kidney stone crusher.
If symptoms have not improved after taking medication or kidney stones have caused a total urinary tract blockage, immediately consult a doctor so that treatment can be carried out immediately.