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Pills for kidney pain
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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There are no special tablets to relieve pain in the kidneys: usually, drugs from the group of antispasmodics, analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used, intended to relieve pain of various localizations and origins. And in emergency medical care for renal colic, it is not tablets for kidney pain that should be used, but stronger painkillers that are administered parenterally.
Indications for use of tablets for kidney pain
The main indications for the use of tablets for kidney pain are the relief of pain attacks in pyelonephritis (inflammation of the renal pelvis) and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the renal glomeruli); acute and chronic renal failure; hydronephrosis or polycystic kidney disease, as well as nephrolithiasis (renal stones).
Pharmacodynamics
Since these drugs belong to different pharmacological groups, their pharmacodynamics are different.
The basis of the analgesic action of Drotaverine hydrochloride is the blocking of the enzyme cAMP-phosphodiesterase, which regulates the passage of nerve impulses, which changes the biophysical processes of the entry of Ca 2+ ions into muscle fiber cells and relieves their spasms that cause pain. A similar mechanism of action is found in mebeverine, the active substance of the drug Meverin, but in this case the transport of Na+ ions through cell membranes is blocked.
The neurotropic antispasmodic hyoscine has only a peripheral effect, and its active component (a synthetic analogue of the belladonna alkaloid hyoscine butylbromide), by blocking muscle receptors of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, inhibits the transmission of impulses of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Pharmacodynamics of Spazmolgon is associated with the combined action of its components: metamizole sodium, pitofenone hydrochloride and fenpiverinium bromide. Their combined effect is expressed in the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and a decrease in the production of anti-inflammatory lipid mediators-prostaglandins and a decrease in the tone of smooth muscles, which results in pain relief.
All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Dexalgin) also inhibit COX, which leads to a reduction in the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Pharmacokinetics
After taking a therapeutic dose of Drotaverine hydrochloride, it is partially absorbed, enters the blood and binds to plasma proteins. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is observed approximately one hour after administration.
The biotransformation of these kidney pain tablets occurs in the liver, and the metabolites are excreted from the body by the kidneys and intestines within two days.
The active substance of the drug Meverin undergoes metabolism before entering the systemic bloodstream and is excreted by the liver and kidneys.
Hyoscine absorption after oral administration is insignificant (no more than 8%), and binding to blood proteins is low (about 5%), but this is enough to relieve spasms of pain in the kidneys (the therapeutic effect of a minimum single dose lasts from 6 to 10 hours). Metabolism occurs in the liver, decay products are excreted through the intestines.
After absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, Spazmolgon forms active metabolites, which are detected in the blood within 1-1.5 hours. The drug undergoes partial breakdown by acetylation in the kidneys and is excreted in the urine.
Once in the stomach, all NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Dexalgin) are absorbed and enter the systemic bloodstream with a maximum concentration in the plasma after 60-120 minutes. Binding to blood proteins reaches 98-99%. The therapeutic effect lasts on average 4-5 hours. Biotransformation of NSAIDs occurs in the liver by conjugation with glucuronic acid, and the metabolic products are excreted through the kidneys fairly quickly (after 4 hours). More than half of the drug Ketorolac entering the gastrointestinal tract is excreted unchanged. Drugs of this group do not have a cumulative effect.
Names of pills for kidney pain
Pain in the kidneys is relieved by:
- myotropic antispasmodics: Drotaverine hydrochloride (other trade names – Drotaverine, No-shpa, Spazmol), Meverin (Duspatalin, Niaspam);
- neurotropic antispasmodics: Hyoscine (Buscopan, Spanil);
- combined analgesic drugs: Spazmolgon (other trade names – Spazgan, Revalgin, Baralgetas);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen (Ibufen, Ibuprex, Nurofen, etc.), Ketorolac (Ketanov, Ketorol, Toradol), Dexalgin (Dexketoprofen).
The herbal diuretic Canephron N contains lovage root powder, centaury herb and rosemary leaves; it is not a pain reliever, but is used as an auxiliary herbal remedy for uncomplicated cystitis and irritable bladder syndrome - to reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process and activate urodynamics.
Method of administration and dosage of tablets for kidney pain
Kidney pain tablets are taken orally (without chewing, with water). Drotaverine hydrochloride (40 mg tablets) is recommended to be taken 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets (240 mg). A single dose for children under 12 years old is 20 mg.
Meverin (Duspatalin, Niaspam) is prescribed at 200 mg, with an interval of 12 hours between doses.
Hyoscine tablets are taken 2-3 times a day, 1-2 tablets. The same doses of tablets for kidney pain Spazmolgon, but this medicine is not used for more than three days in a row.
Ibuprofen (200, 400 and 600 mg tablets) is recommended for adults to take 200-800 mg three times a day (after meals). Ketorolac tablets are taken one at a time with an interval of 6 hours between doses. Doctors do not recommend using this drug to relieve pain for longer than 5-6 days.
A single dose of Dexalgin depends on the intensity of pain: 1/2 (12.5 mg) or a whole tablet (25 mg). The next dose can be taken only after 8 hours, and the permissible daily dose is 75 mg. The use of this drug is also limited in duration.
Using Kidney Pain Pills During Pregnancy
Myotropic antispasmodics (Drotaverine, Meverin and their generics) for kidney pain during pregnancy should be prescribed by a doctor, who, as written in all instructions, must assess the benefits for the mother and the possible danger to the development of the fetus.
The same principle of using the antispasmodic Hyoscine, however, these drugs penetrate the HPB and cause side effects (we will discuss them below). This calls into question their safety for pregnant women. Moreover, the lack of data from manufacturers on the negative effects of these drugs does not mean the absence of such effects.
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to use Spazmolgon tablets for kidney pain, and all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prohibited.
Contraindications for use
All kidney pain pills have some contraindications for use. Drotaverine hydrochloride is contraindicated in cardiovascular pathologies (high blood pressure, coronary and cerebral atherosclerosis, tachycardia or impaired conduction of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles), renal or hepatic insufficiency, and in the treatment of children under 12 years of age. This antispasmodic is not prescribed in the presence of closed-angle glaucoma and enlarged prostate gland.
Contraindications for Meverin include poor individual tolerance to the drug and age under 14 years, and Hyoscine tablets are not prescribed if there is: hypertrophy of the colon, autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, closed-angle glaucoma, pulmonary edema, and also if the patient is under 7 years old.
Spazmolgon is contraindicated in case of sensitivity to aspirin, blood diseases with decreased levels of leukocytes, partial dysfunction of the liver or kidneys, severe atony of the gallbladder or urinary bladder, and prostate adenoma.
Contraindications to the use of all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include allergy to acetylsalicylic acid, gastric ulcer, coagulopathy, arterial hypertension, severe heart failure, as well as renal and hepatic failure.
Side effects of kidney pain pills
The main side effects of kidney pain pills are:
- Drotaverine hydrochloride can cause nausea, vomiting, intestinal problems, headache, increased heart rate, arrhythmia, decreased blood pressure, bronchospasm and difficulty breathing, urticaria, hyperhidrosis, sleep disorders.
- Meverin and its synonyms can cause allergic skin rashes and angioedema.
- Hyoscine can cause dry skin and mouth, skin rashes, abnormal heart rhythms, shortness of breath, ischuria (urinary retention) and anaphylactic shock.
- Taking Spazmolgon tablets may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain and exacerbation of existing gastrointestinal diseases; headache, dizziness and accommodation disorders; disruptions in the urinary system, as well as negative changes in blood composition.
- Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs often cause heartburn, bloating, gastric ulcers, edema, hypertension, urticaria, and bronchospasms. When taking these pills, headaches, shortness of breath, weakness, sleep disturbances, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure surges may occur.
Overdose
Exceeding the dosage of Drotaverine hydrochloride may lead to paralysis of the respiratory center and cardiac arrest. In this case, there is no specific antidote, and cardiac stimulation and artificial ventilation of the lungs in intensive care may be required.
Overdose of Meverin is expressed in increased nervous excitability of the central nervous system. In such a situation, activated carbon should be taken and the stomach should be washed.
Symptoms of an overdose of the drug Hyoscine are dryness and hyperemia of the skin, as well as visual abnormalities, which quickly disappear after gastric lavage and taking sorbents.
Spazmolgon in excessive doses can lead to intoxication and allergic syndrome. The usual measures are taken to accelerate the elimination of the drug from the body, and in more severe cases, enhanced hydration and hemodialysis are performed.
In case of overdose of NSAIDs, their side effects increase, which can be stopped by gastric lavage and subsequent symptomatic therapy.
Interactions with other drugs
The kidney pain pills presented in the review interact with other medications as follows:
- Drotaverine hydrochloride enhances the effect of simultaneously taken antispasmodics, and also reduces blood pressure when used in parallel with some antidepressants. Barbiturates potentiate the effect of Drotaverine.
- Hyoscine, when used simultaneously with drugs that block adrenaline receptors (and reduce blood pressure), increases tachycardia. The effect of tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines is also enhanced.
- Spazmolgon is incompatible with drugs containing ethyl alcohol, coumarin group anticoagulants and the immunosuppressant Cyclosporine. The therapeutic effect of Spazmolgon is reduced by barbiturates, and NSAIDs, hormonal oral contraceptives and antidepressants increase the intensity of its side effects.
- Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Dexalgin reduce the effect of diuretics and potentiate the effect of anticoagulant drugs. In addition, cardiac glycosides and NSAIDs cannot be combined, as this leads to worsening heart failure. Dexalgin tablets for kidney pain should not be used simultaneously with drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus due to a decrease in the effectiveness of the latter.
Storage conditions and shelf life
It is recommended to store the drug at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
The shelf life of most drugs is 3 years; Hyoscine tablets – 5 years.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Pills for kidney pain" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.