Medicines that increase the risk of kidney stones

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Some medicines make it more likely that you will develop a specific type of kidney stone.1

Calcium stones

Medicines that make you more likely to develop calcium stones include:

  • Loop diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix) and acetazolamide (Diamox).
  • Antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide (Alugel).
  • Glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone (Decadron).
  • Theophylline, such as Theodur.

Vitamins C and D can increase your risk of calcium stones when you take more than the daily recommendations.

Uric acid stones

Medicines that make you more likely to develop uric acid stones include:

  • Thiazides, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
  • Aspirin products (salicylates).
  • Antigout medicine, such as probenecid (Benemid).

Medicines that actually make stones

Some medicines will result in your body making kidney stones. These include:

  • Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene (Dyrenium).
  • Antivirals, such as acyclovir (Zovirax).
  • Protease inhibitors, such as indinavir sulfate (Crixivan).

References

Citations

  1. Bihl G, Meyers A (2001). Recurrent renal stone disease—Advances in pathogenesis and clinical management. Lancet, 358(9282): 651–656.

Credits

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC
- Urology
Last Updated May 30, 2007
Last Updated: 05/30/2007

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

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