Urease inhibitors for kidney stones
Examples
Generic Name Brand Name acetohydroxamic acid Lithostat How It Works
Urease inhibitors dissolve crystals and struvite kidney stones and prevent the formation of new crystals in the urine.
Why It Is Used
Urease inhibitors are used to dissolve kidney stones (including struvite stones), prevent crystals from forming new kidney stones, and treat urinary tract infections.
How Well It Works
Urease inhibitors have been shown to keep some struvite stones from coming back.1
Side Effects
Side effects of urease inhibitors include:
- Headache.
- Depression.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Skin rash.
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis).
- Hemolytic anemia.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Pulmonary embolism (PE).
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Usually, urease inhibitors are used only if you cannot remove the stones by other methods.
You should not take iron supplements or vitamins containing iron while taking urease inhibitors.
Do not use urease inhibitors if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant.
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: May 30, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Examples | |
| How It Works | |
| Why It Is Used | |
| How Well It Works | |
| Side Effects | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |