What should you know about medicines for kidney stones?

A clinician considers where the stone is, whether urine can drain, how severe the symptoms are, and whether infection is present. Pain relief may be prescribed, and an anti-sickness medicine can help when pain causes nausea. In some situations, a medicine that relaxes part of the urinary tract may be considered to support passage. These medicines are not suitable for everyone, and they do not dissolve every type of stone. Dehydration can worsen urinary symptoms, but forced fluids may be unsafe when drainage is blocked.

Take only the medicine and dose recommended for you. Check before combining pain medicines, particularly if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, are pregnant, or take blood thinners. Drink normally unless a clinician has given different advice, and follow instructions about straining urine or collecting a stone. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can review symptoms and medicines. An [Abdominal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/abdominal-ultrasound/) may help assess the urinary tract when imaging is needed. Keep a record of pain, vomiting, urine changes, and fever.

Seek urgent medical help for fever or chills with suspected kidney stones, severe or persistent pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, faintness, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Blood in urine, [Flank Pain](/symptoms/flank-pain/), [Painful Urination](/symptoms/painful-urination/), [Difficulty Passing Urine](/symptoms/difficulty-passing-urine/), or [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) also warrant prompt assessment when they are new or worsening. Infection behind a blockage can become serious and needs medical treatment.

Ask where the stone is, whether it is likely to pass, which pain medicine fits your health history, and how long to use it. Clarify which symptoms mean you should return, whether urine or imaging tests are needed, and how a recovered stone should be handled.