How It Works
Tiopronin helps keep cystine dissolved
in the urine, which makes cystine
kidney stones less likely to form.
Why It Is Used
Tiopronin may be used to prevent
kidney stones in people with high levels of cystine in their urine.
How Well It Works
Tiopronin may reduce cystine
excretion and help keep new stones from forming.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- Fever or chills.
- Muscle weakness or tingling.
- Skin rash and itching.
- Sore throat or coughing and wheezing not caused by a cold.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Yellow eyes or skin.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- Nausea and vomiting.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Make sure you get enough water when taking this medicine. Try to drink enough water to keep your urine light yellow or clear like water (about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day). Drinking extra water before bed and during the night can reduce the amount of medicine you need to prevent kidney stones.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant. If you need to use this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy.
Checkups
You will have to check the acid level of your urine (pH) to keep the pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Kidney stones
are more likely to form if the urine has a pH much lower than 6.0 or higher
than 7.0.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Pietrow PK, Preminger GM (2007). Evaluation and
medical management of urinary lithiasis. In AJ Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1393–1430.
Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 14, 2012 |
|---|
Pietrow PK, Preminger GM (2007). Evaluation and
medical management of urinary lithiasis. In AJ Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1393–1430.
Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
