Formation of stones in your kidneys is also called renal calculus disorder. This condition develops small pieces of stones inside your urinary tract. Stones of size lesser than 0.2 inches are excreted through your urine stream, and these do not cause much pains. However, stones measuring more than 5 millimeters i.e., sized above 0.2 inches, can block your ureter. This results in an acute and sharp pain in your lower-back region. Thankfully, a few drugs are available to treat this real condition. Tamsulosin is one among them.
Stones inside your urinary tract can develop due to multiple reasons like environmental and genetic causes. Clinical research on kidney stones has identified a few risk-factors like excessive intake of calcium supplements, not taking enough liquids, onset of gout, being overweight, etc. In general, stones tend to develop when your body has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium. Your physician may order urine sample test or a scan, based on the signs you experience.
Dietitians recommend to keep your body hydrated to avoid such stones. Fluids like sodas or colas are also be avoided. If stones in the urinary system do not have any symptoms, you may not need treatment. However, those who complain of pains, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs are administered. For larger stones, your doctor may prescribe a few other types of meds.
What is tamsulosin?
Tamsulosin is an alpha-1-receptor-antogonist. Key chemicals of this med block alpha-receptors in your prostate and urethra. On being blocked, muscles of your urinary tract are relaxed. This causes lesser resistance for the stones in your kidneys to get discharged.
Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin was launched for public-use in the mid-90s. As its patents lapsed in 2009, it is available as a generic offering ever-since. Chief use of Tamsulosin however rests with its ability to treat enlarged prostate.
Tamsulosin for kidney stones
Tamsulosin is one of the commonly used meds for treating kidney stones. It is available as an orally-administered capsule. Standard dosage plan comprises a single-dose, taken every 24 hours. Your physician may recommend intake of a capsule half-hour after your meal. In order to get better remedial-outcomes, take tamsulosin at the same timeslot every day.
Tamsulosin can make you drowsy; at times, you may also pass out. Upon sensing these acute side effects, seek help on an urgent mode. In the US, you can call the helpdesk of FDA; in Canada, you can reach out to a local poison management cell.
What does tamsulosin do for kidney stones?
Tamsulosin relaxes your ureter as well as urethra, and eases the passage of kidney stones. It is known for alpha-1-receptor antagonising properties which enables this action. Most specifically, tamsulosin dilates your ureter and thus makes it easy for kidney stones to exit. This dilation process helps alleviate pains that may accompany such passage.
Tamsulosin for kidney stones how many days
It is a misconception that tamsulosin dissolves the stones in your kidneys. Instead, this drug only eases stones out by enlarging your ureter. In case of stones less than 0.1 inches, tamsulosin can ease them out within a week’ time. But, for larger stones, you need to take this med for more than 15 days.
If you do not see much relief in your urinary condition – after taking Tamsulosin for more than 3 – 4 weeks, consult your caregiver immediately. Those who decide to ignore the persisting-signs run the risk of having an infection.
Tamsulosin is not to be taken through the self-medication route. It always needs to be taken under the supervision of a qualified clinical practitioner. As the drug can make you lightheaded, it is a safe thing to stay away from sporting activities or driving. You also need to remember that your physician has prescribed tamsulosin after weighing several factors like your urinary condition, age, onset of other ailments and treatment plans pursued, if any.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley; Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Experience: 10 years as a freelance health writer and editor, contributing to blogs and magazines focused on preventive medicine and fitness.
