You are here: PharmacyArticlesAllopurinol, Kidney stonesPreventing Kidney stones & its Symptoms with Allopurinol Read more articles on: Allopurinol, Kidney stones Published on: February 25, 2022 Last Updated On: February 25, 2022 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Preventing Kidney stones & its Symptoms with Allopurinol If you or your friend or a family member have been recently diagnosed with kidney stones and would like to know more about kidney stones, their symptoms, treatment, and medications, keep reading this article. It will help you understand more about kidney stones and Allopurinol (medication used in kidney stones treatment).Table of Contents What are Kidney stones, and what does it look like?Causes of Kidney stonesKidney Stones Treatment and Medications Small stones (Minimal symptoms)Large Stones (may cause a lot of discomforts)How does Allopurinol help treat Kidney Stones?Allopurinol Use, dosage, and frequency for Kidney StonesAllopurinol Side effects Other precautions Recommended Reading For YouBalancing Uric Acid levels with Allopurinol. Gout, kidney stones & Hyperuricemia treatment explained.Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) Painkillers Uses, Side Effects & PrecautionsCan you drink alcohol while on Cipralex? Seizures & blackouts explained – CanadaHow to care for someone suffering from kidney stones & its symptoms?Preventing Kidney stones & its Symptoms with AllopurinolPreventing Gout & its Symptoms with AllopurinolHow to check if a pharmacy is licensed in BC British Columbia, Canada?How to check if a pharmacist is licensed and legitimate in British Columbia, Canada?What Does Off-Label and Label Drug Use Mean in Canada?What are over the counter medications, and how to buy them in Canada?What are Kidney stones, and what does it look like?Kidney stones or renal calculi are a solid mass made of crystals formed in the kidney from substances in the urine. They can develop anywhere along your urinary tract. The urinary tract comprises of ureters, urethra, bladder, and kidneys. The solid mass can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Most of the time, kidney stones pass out of the body via urine without any treatment or assistance from the doctor. However, they may not go away a few times and are stuck in the urinary tract. Once they are stuck, they block the urine flow and cause significant pain. Depending upon the stone’s size and location, your doctor may recommend treatment. Kidney Stones SymptomsThe majority of people with kidney stones do not show symptoms. However, if the stone is displaced and moves in ureters, it can block the urine flow and cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to spam, which causes pain. The symptoms at that time include:Pain or burning sensation while urinating Severe, sharp pain in the side and backPain that comes in waves and varies in intensity Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin Blood in the urine Urine may smell bad or look cloudy Vomiting Fever and chills Nausea Frequent need to urinate If the stone is small, you may not experience any pain or symptoms, and the stone will pass through your urinary tract. While if the stone is large, it will not pass via the urinary tract and may need treatment. Causes of Kidney stonesKidney stones are likely to occur if your age is between 20-50 years of age. Various factors can increase the risk of developing a kidney stone. Men are more likely to develop stones compared to women. ALSO READ How to care for someone suffering from kidney stones & its symptoms?Risk Factors: You are likely to have Kidney stones if you: Have a family history of Kidney stones Dehydration Hyperparathyroid condition Medications (diuretics, antiepileptic drugs, and calcium-based antacids)Diet with high levels of protein, glucose, or salt Inflammatory bowel diseases that increase calcium absorption Obesity Surgery (gastric bypass surgery)Supplements Kidney Stones Treatment and Medications Your physician may ask you to undergo diagnostic tests and procedures to confirm the presence of stones. Following procedures or tests may be requested: Blood test (To determine calcium or uric acid levels)Ultrasonography CT scan Analysis of passed stone (for determination of the cause of stone)Urine testingOnce the diagnosis is confirmed, your physician will decide the treatment. The treatment for kidney stones varies; it depends on size, type of the stone, and cause. Small stones (Minimal symptoms)If your kidney stones are small, you will not require invasive treatment. Your doctor will advise you the following: Drink plenty of water as it prevents the new stone formation and may help in the removal of the small stones that are already present Small stones may cause some discomfort; hence your doctor may prescribe you some pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, diclofenac sodium)Alpha-blockers help your muscles in the ureter to relax and pass your stone more quickly with less pain (Tamsulosin) may be prescribed Large Stones (may cause a lot of discomforts)If the kidney stones are too large to pass through the urinary tract, it may cause kidney damage, bleeding, or urinary tract infection. In such cases following treatment may be opted: Lithotripsy: A procedure that uses shock waves to break large stones so that they can pass through the urine easilyUreteroscopy: This procedure is used when the stone is stuck in the bladder or ureter. The doctor may use a ureteroscope (an instrument) to remove the stone. The instrument has a small wire attached with a camera and is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder and to the point where the stone is located. The procedure requires general anesthesia, and it may last from 1 hour to 3 hoursTunnel surgery: It involves inserting a small scope through a small incision in your back to remove the kidney stoneParathyroid gland surgery (at times, calcium phosphate stones are formed due to overactivity of the parathyroid gland). The overactivity of the gland is due to small, benign tumors. Removal of the tumor growth from the gland stops the kidney stone formation) Pain management: When the stone is about to be excreted via urine, it may cause a lot of discomfort. In such cases, your physician may prescribe you pain killers to reduce the symptomsOther medications: Depending on the type of stone present, various medications may also be prescribed. Other medications include: Thiazide diuretics (to prevent calcium stones from forming)Phosphorous solutions (to prevent calcium stones from forming)Sodium citrate or sodium bicarbonate (to make the urine less acidic)Painkillers (ibuprofen, ketorolac, diclofenac)Allopurinol (for uric acid stones)How does Allopurinol help treat Kidney Stones?Allopurinol belongs to the xanthine oxidase inhibitor class of medication. It is used to treat kidney stones (uric acid stones) and high uric acid levels in the body caused by certain medications. Allopurinol works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. High uric acid levels in the body can cause kidney stones.ALSO READ Preventing Gout & its Symptoms with AllopurinolAllopurinol Use, dosage, and frequency for Kidney StonesAllopurinol is available in tablet form and taken by oral route. Your physician may prescribe you to take the medication once or twice daily. The medication is usually to be taken after a meal. You should take the medication at the same time so that you do not forget to take medication. Allopurinol tablets are available in two strengths, 100 mg and 300 mg. Usually, your physician will start your treatment at 100 mg and gradually increase the dose if the dose needs calibration. The maximum adult dose prescribed is 800 mg per day in divided doses.Always follow the direction on your prescription label or instructions given by your healthcare worker. In case of any queries, always ask your doctor or pharmacist for an explanation. Do not take more or less than prescribed by your physician. If you miss taking the medication, take it as soon as you remember it. However, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule if it is almost the next dose. You should not take a double dose. You will observe the full benefit of the treatment after several months. It is possible that during the initial phase of treatment, the number of kidney stones attacks may increase, although the attacks will decrease over a period. You should not stop taking Allopurinol even if you feel well. Always consult your physician before stopping the medication. Allopurinol Side effects Like all the medications, Allopurinol also has side effects. It is possible that you may not experience any side effects or may experience minor side effects. Inform your doctor if any of the below mentioned side effects are severe or do not go away:Diarrhea Drowsiness Stomach upset Some of the side effects can be serious and may require medical attention. Call your doctor immediately if you experience them: Itching Weight lossLoss of appetite Painful urination Skin rash Swelling of lips or mouth Fever Sore throat Chills Blood in urine Irritation of the eyes The above-mentioned side effects are not comprehensive. You may experience other side effects while taking this medication. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual or persistent side effects.Other precautions Please inform your doctor and pharmacist about allergies to Allopurinol or any of its ingredients. If you have any other allergies, do not forget to share the same with the healthcare professional. Inform your health worker about other prescription, non-prescription medications, and nutritional supplements that you are taking. Also, inform about vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking or planning to take. Inform your doctor if you ever had kidney, heart, or liver disease. You should inform your physician if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on treatment with Allopurinol, inform your doctor immediately. ALSO READ Balancing Uric Acid levels with Allopurinol. Gout, kidney stones & Hyperuricemia treatment explained.Allopurinol may make you feel drowsy. You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. You should not consume alcoholic beverages while taking Allopurinol, as alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the medication. Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each day while on treatment with Allopurinol, unless directed to do otherwise by your physician. Recommended Reading For You Balancing Uric Acid levels with Allopurinol. Gout, kidney stones & Hyperuricemia treatment explained. Posted: March 17, 2022If you or your friend or a family member have been recently diagnosed with high uric acid levels and prescribed Allopurinol, keep reading this article. Table of Contents Allopurinol &… Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) Painkillers Uses, Side Effects & Precautions Posted: March 1, 2022Let us take a look at medications known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs like Celecoxib, including its uses, side effects, and precautions to be followed. We will also go over… 0 comments Can you drink alcohol while on Cipralex? Seizures & blackouts explained – Canada Posted: March 1, 2022Cipralex is an antidepressant medication that is often used to treat depression in adults, children, and teenagers of 12 years or above. Cipralex may also be used in treating obsessive-compulsive… 0 comments How to care for someone suffering from kidney stones & its symptoms? Posted: February 25, 2022Kidney stone is a relatively prevalent condition, affecting 12% of Canadians. So, it is likely that your friend or a family member has been recently diagnosed with the condition. If… 0 comments Preventing Kidney stones & its Symptoms with Allopurinol Posted: February 25, 2022If you or your friend or a family member have been recently diagnosed with kidney stones and would like to know more about kidney stones, their symptoms, treatment, and medications,… 0 comments Preventing Gout & its Symptoms with Allopurinol Posted: February 24, 2022If you or your friend or a family member have been recently diagnosed with gout and would like to know more about gout, its symptoms, treatment, and medications. Keep reading… 0 comments How to check if a pharmacy is licensed in BC British Columbia, Canada? Posted: November 5, 2021Checking if a pharmacy is licensed in British Columbia (BC), Canada is easier than you think. Simply follow these three steps to check if a pharmacy belongs to the College… How to check if a pharmacist is licensed and legitimate in British Columbia, Canada? Posted: October 6, 2021Today, we will show you how you can check if a pharmacist is properly licensed in the Province of British Columbia in Canada. The short answer to checking a pharmacist… 0 comments What Does Off-Label and Label Drug Use Mean in Canada? Posted: August 25, 2021Table of Contents What is off-label drug use?What are some examples of off-label drug use?What is on-label drug use?Why doctors prescribe drugs for label use? Why Do Doctors Prescribe Medications… 0 comments What are over the counter medications, and how to buy them in Canada? Posted: July 8, 2021Table of Contents Over-the-counter (OTC) medications in a nutshellCan you buy over-the-counter medicine online?How to buy over the counter medicine with PocketPills?What are the most popular OTC medicines and why?What… 0 comments We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 1383 Views Share