Prostate drug can help you to pass kidney stones

November 2, 2016

Preventative treatment for kidney stones has barely changed in 30 years
But tamsulosin was found to help patients pass more large kidney stones
Experts say it could cut the need to remove crystals through surgery

Stephen Matthews For Mailonline

Published:
13:12 EDT, 2 November 2016

|
Updated:
13:16 EDT, 2 November 2016

e-mail

View
comments

Millions of people suffering from kidney stones could soon be able to get relief after an existing drug has been found to help.

The crystals, which range in size from a grain of sand to a pearl or even larger, can be excruciating for patients to pass through urine.

But people treated with a common medication used to treat an enlarged prostate were found to pass more large stones.

Experts say the finding could reduce the need for surgery to remove kidney stones and help to reduce costs.

People treated with a medication used to treat an enlarged prostate were found to suffer from less pain when passing large kidney stones, a study found

Australian researchers treated more than 400 patients with tamsulosin – prescribed to sufferers of an enlarged prostate – in a trial ran across five hospital emergency departments.

They discovered that those who received the drug passed their large kidney stones more often than patients in the placebo group.

Is YOUR child scared to go to the dentist? Letting…

Why you really SHOULD cut carbs: High-carb meals ‘raise your…

Are YOU lonely? You may be at risk of dementia: People with…

Do YOU steam your food? You’re at lower risk of heart…

Lead researcher Dr Jeremy Furyk said: ‘Kidney stones are a bit of a mystery, occur frequently in the community and generally affect young, healthy adults.

‘It can be extremely painful to pass these jagged little crystallized minerals and it’s very common for sufferers to go to an emergency department for treatment.’

‘This means patients with large stones might not need more complicated treatments including surgeries, and this has potential to improve care and reduce costs.

Experts say tamsulosin could reduce the need for surgery to remove kidney stones and help to reduce medical costs

‘We’re very excited because tamsulosin treatment may also allow patients to be treated closer to home rather than needing referral to a major centre.’

Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that build up inside the kidneys, affecting around 12 per cent of men and seven per cent of women.

They are composed predominantly of calcium oxalate crystals and are more prevalent in those with high blood-pressure, diabetes or obesity – and are on the rise.

Preventative treatment for kidney stones has barely changed in the last 30 years.

Doctors advise patients to drink plenty of water and avoid oxalate-rich food, such as rhubarb and almonds.

They often prescribe the supplement potassium citrate, which can slow crystal growth – but some people cannot tolerate the side-effects.