A tube that connects your bladder to kidneys is called ureter. Its diameter resembles that of a normal blood vessel. At times, stones may get lodged into this tube, and this causes pain. Your pain depends on the size of stones as well as their location (where in the tube). Formation of stones in the urinary tract is quite common; as per leading urology associations, more than 8% of the population in the US may have stones in their ureter. In this light, can drugs such as silodosin and tamsulosin help treat these stones? You are advised to know more about the differences before starting your treatment plan.
Stones formed inside your kidneys can be of any size. These stones can move up and down your urinary system i.e., bladder, ureter, urethra, etc. While you discharge urine, these stones may move along with the liquid and may get clogged in any place inside the tract. Smaller stones may get discharged through urine with ease; however, large sized stones may hinder the free flow of urine. Not stopping with urinary flow, they may also cause sizable amount of pains.
Various types of ureteral and kidney stones
Stones are of different types. But, the two common types are uric acid abased stones and calcium oxalate stones. If you have excessive amount of jellyfish or organ meats, you are likely to have uric acid based stones. The risks can increase if your family history has kidney problems, especially those caused by stone formation. An organ meat based diet can enhance the odds because such meat may have an item called purine. Upon taking more amount of purine, your system may make a chemical called monosodium urate in larger quantities. These processes lead to development of uric acid based stones inside your urinary tract.
Another common form of stone is calcium oxalate based. These may show up when your body has a short supply of essential minerals such as calcium. If you are not drinking sufficient amount of water, you tend to develop calcium stones. When calcium reacts with a chemical called oxalate these stones may develop with added ease.
Apart from these two aforesaid stones, your body may also develop 2 more types – namely, cystine and struvite. The latter develops when you have infections in the top portion of the urinary tract. Not drinking enough water remains as a common reason behind formation of all such stones. Apart from being dehydrated, obesity or a high body mass index, leading an inactive life with no exercising or workouts, consuming abundant amount of salts and sugars fare as top risk factors. In a few people, working out way too much or a surgical procedure intended to reduce weight has also led to stones. Above all, if your parents or close relatives have had such problems, the risk factors tend to get more pronounced.
What is silodosin?
Silodosin is a popular drug used mainly for the treatment of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This drug is also administered for the treatment of ureteral stones. The typical dose is 8 milligrams (mg). The dosage plan may extend as long as 10 days to 2 weeks. In case of acute conditions of stone formation, this drug is administered for upto 4 weeks / 30 days. This drug helps discharge stones measuring 3 mm to 9 mm.
The key ingredients can help ease the tissues and muscles of the prostate. This process helps relieve discomforts of the urinary tract like urges to urinate more frequently, starting troubles while you urinate, a weak outflow of urine, etc. An enlarged prostate may also make you pee urgently; this drug is also capable of offering needful relief from such conditions.
Silodosin is grouped under a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. This med is not an over the counter drug; hence, it is consumed under the supervision and guidance of a qualified medical practitioner. This drug may trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure i.e., spells of hypotension. This may show up through a few signs; salient among them includes drowsiness, complete loss of coordination, sweating profusely, faster heartbeats and / or palpitations, passing out, etc. Upon sensing any of these side effects, you are advised to seek medical support from your treating physician without any further delay.
What is Tamsulosin?
This drug is also used for the treatment of stones in your urinary tract. This drug eases up muscles of your urinary tract to help discharge stones. You are also advised to consume abundant amount of water, which helps urinate more and thus help in the discharge of stones. The active ingredients work effectively to remove stones seized in between 3 millimeter (mm) to 10 mm. As an extended use, this drug helps treat conditions such as retention of urine. You need to remember that this drug does not shrink an enlarged prostate or can prevent the onset of cancers in the urinary tract and prostatic region.
This drug can cause acute spells of hypotension or a drop in blood pressure. Another discomfort is the occurrence of retrograde mode of ejaculation; this leads to the discharge of semen (during sexual intercourse) into your urinary channel instead of a normal discharge. This condition occurs as a valve / sphincter gets relaxed, thus reversing the normal mode of ejaculation.
Differences between silodosin and tamsulosin
The dosage strength of tamsulosin is 0.4 mg within a 24-hour timeline. On the other hand, silodosin dosage is 4 mg each day. Both these drugs are widely used for treating distal ureteral stones – in short, DUS. Silodosin is known to be more effective than tamsulosin. This is evidenced through a better discharge rate of stones as compared to its counterpart. Also, the time taken for silodosin is shorter than the other med compared here. However the strength of silodosin is at a higher range. Owing to this, you are advised to stay aware of the possible side effects and their intensity. Above all, safety of these drugs onto younger adults or children is not fully evidenced. You are hence advised to talk to a qualified clinical practitioner prior to starting your dosage plan.
Intake of either of these two drugs when you have prior medical conditions
It is a safe practice to inform your treating physician about prior medical conditions. These inputs are to be shared before you start the treatment plan. For instance, these drugs are rarely given to those who have renal conditions or kidney problems. But, always remember that your treating doctor prescribes meds only after assessing the demerits and demerits of drugs. In some occasions, these meds are offered – in extremely lowered doses – if the benefits far outstrip the risks of side effects / associated discomforts.
The key chemicals of this drug may require proper working of your liver. This is a prerequisite as liver plays a key role in processing the active ingredients. Hence, if you have liver conditions such as hepatitis or an inflammation of liver, and cirrhosis of the liver, your caregiving team must be made aware of these ailments. Liver conditions may cause insufficient processing of this med; a defective or an injured liver may leave a sizable residue of this drug back in your body. This can trigger a few acute side effects such as being giddy, quicker heartbeats or faster pulse rates, sweating excessively, skin problems (hives or itchiness), a marked decrease in blood pressure level, etc.
Moreover, it is important to tell your doctor if you are living with chronic spells of low blood pressure. In such cases, dosage strength of this med is maintained at a very nominal level. Stay aware of the likely signs of low blood pressure, such as – feeling drowsy most of the time, dizziness experienced when you shift (from a sleeping position to a standing posture, etc.). Upon witnessing any of these signs, tell your caregiver about these signs without much delay. Owing to the likelihood of drowsiness, it is unsafe to pursue activities needing a high level of mental concentration and focus. In this light, it is dangerous to drive vehicles, work on heavy machines. In general, it is not a good practice to engage in sporting activities like jumping or diving.
In sum, silodosin is a widely used med, consumed for the treatment of enlargement of prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH). This drug is also known for its capabilities to treat ureteral stones. It is taken in dosage strength varying from 4 mg to 8 mg. On the other hand, Tamsulosin is also used for treating stones in the urinary tract. These drugs help relax prostatic muscles and help discharge stones sized 3 millimeter (mm) to 10 mm. As an extended use, these drugs are also used for treating retention of urine. These are not over the counter drugs. Hence, to know the differences (as well as similarities) in between these two drugs.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
