Best Kidney Stone Pain Relief Tablets: Fast-Acting Options That Work

Struggling with severe or sharp pain from kidney stones? Do not overlook it, as health is a top priority. Taking pain-relieving medicines can provide quick relief and ease discomfort. Whether you are dealing with ongoing symptoms or sudden flare-ups of symptoms, several kidney stone pain relief tablets can help you feel better. Let's discuss them in this blog! 

Best Kidney Stone Pain Relief Tablets 

Over-the-counter kidney stone medicines like ibuprofen can be effective in reducing mild kidney stone pain. However, if the pain is severe, the healthcare providers prescribe stronger pain medications. 

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: 

1. Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin IB, and others):

• These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation. This makes it easy to endure the discomfort of passing the stone. 

2. Naproxen sodium (Aleve)

• Another potent NSAID that is also effective in relieving kidney stone pain, like ibuprofen. 

Prescription Medications:

1. Alpha-Blockers (example, Tamsulosin)

• Helps relax the ureter muscles, which eases the passage of kidney stones and potentially relieves pain. 

2. Potassium Citrate:

• Assist in preventing the formation of calcium and uric acid kidney stones by making urine highly alkaline (less acidic). This helps manage pain. 

3. Metolazone

• Increases urine volume, which helps remove small kidney stones, potentially relieving pain associated with the passage of stones.

4. Lodiric

• Prevents the formation of the crystals that block the urine passage. This lowers the risk of pain attacks and severe pain caused by a blockage. 

5. Pitofenone

• Relaxes the smooth muscles of the ureter, which relieves the pain and spasms associated with kidney stones. 

6. Thiola 

• Lowers the cystine levels in the urine by dissolving them, which helps remove cystine kidney stones and associated pain. 

7. Disodium Hydrogen Citrate + Paracetamol + Sorbitol

• The combination of three drugs makes urine alkaline, which helps dissolve uric acid crystals. This reduces the uric acid kidney stones, and thereby the pain associated with their passage. 

8. Tiopronin 

• Prevent the buildup of cystine kidney stones, which reduces the severity and frequency of painful stone attacks. 

Side Effects of Kidney Stone Medications

Along with benefits, kidney stone relief tablets also come with some side effects, which include:

Common side effects:

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Restlessness

• Headache 

• Joint pain

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

If you notice any of these side effects that last longer or worsen, see a doctor. 

Severe side effects: 

• Dry mouth (dehydration sign)

• Chest pain

• Rapid or irregular breathing pattern

• Hives

• Rashes

• Blistering

• Upset stomach

• Loss of appetite

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, and lips 

• Itching

If you experience any of these signs, report them immediately to your doctor. 

Other Treatments for Kidney Stone Pain Relief

If kidney stones are too large to pass naturally, the healthcare providers suggest surgery. Here are the recommended surgical procedures:

• Shockwave lithotripsy: Involves the use of shockwaves to break down the kidney stones into smaller pieces from the outside of the body. The pieces can more easily move via the urinary tract and out of the body.

• Ureteroscopy: The doctors insert a ureteroscope through the urethra into the bladder, through which the instruments are inserted to break down kidney stones into smaller pieces. Those pieces can easily move through the urinary tract and out of the body.

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Involves inserting the tube into the kidneys by making a small cut on the back to remove the stones. It treats the stones that are tough to reach, too large, too many, and very dense, and can't be addressed with other surgeries.

When to See a Doctor?

It is recommended to immediately seek medical help if you experience:

• Persistent severe pain that might respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers

• Blood in the urine

• Severe pain while urinating

• Vomiting and nausea

• Fever and chills
  

Natural Remedies for Kidney Stone Pain

Before you see a doctor, you can try these home remedies for temporary pain relief:

• Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress or a heating pad to the lower abdominal or back area to relax muscles and relieve spasms. This can reduce sharp pain.

• More Water Intake: Drink 2 to 3 liters of water to reduce the pressure or pain in the kidney while flushing out the kidney stones.

• Lemon Juice & Olive Oil: Citrate in lemon juice can break down stones, and olive oil moisturizes the urinary tract for smooth passage of the stones without causing pain.

• Basil Juice (Tulsi): Tulsi contains acetic acid, which can dissolve kidney stones. Also, it has natural pain-relieving effects.

• Celery Juice or Seeds: Being diuretic, celery can increase urine production, which can help pass stones. Also, it can alleviate pressure pain in the kidneys.

• Dandelion Root Tea: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve mild kidney stone pain.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): The acetic acid in ACV can soften stones, which can alleviate pain during their passage. Always mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV into warm water and drink.

Note: These home remedies may help relieve pain relief only, but they are not effective for large kidney stones or severe cases. Seek medical help if the pain is extreme or persistent.

Tips to Prevent Kidney Stone Pain

Follow these tips:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out minerals that can cause stones.

• Limit salt intake: High consumption of sodium increases the levels of calcium in urine, leading to the risk of stone formation.

• Reduce animal protein: Limit intake of red meat, seafood, and eggs. Research says that a high intake of meat can increase the uric acid levels in the blood.

• Eat more citrus fruits: Consume limes, oranges, and lemons, as they contain citrate, which aids in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

• Avoid sugary drinks: A study reports that sugary drinks are associated with increased risk of kidney stone formation, as they contain excessive fructose, which can release uric acid, calcium, and oxalate in urine.

• Consume the recommended amount of calcium: If you have calcium kidney stones, avoid high calcium-rich foods, as they can worsen the condition.

• Eat fruits and vegetables: Have fruits and veggies rich in fiber, antioxidants, citrate, and potassium to prevent the formation of uric acid, cystine, and calcium oxalate stones.

• Avoid foods high in oxalate: Avoid sweet potatoes, beetroots, peanuts, and spinach, as they are high in oxalate and lead to stone formation.

• Exercise regularly: Engage in exercise to improve fluid balance and kidney function. 

Final Thoughts

These kidney stone pain relief tablets are potent and effective in relieving pain associated with stones. Although they give immediate relief for a long time, they have some side effects that need to be reported to a doctor if they last longer or worsen. Also, always seek medical guidance before taking any medication to avoid the negative consequences.