The effectiveness of citrates and pyridoxine in the treatment of kidney stones

J Med Life. 2023 Jun;16(6):856-861. doi: 10.25122/jml-2023-0234.

Abstract

The prevalence of nephrolithiasis is increasing across all demographic groups. Apart from the morbidity associated with an acute occurrence, preventative treatment is essential for stone disease, which can become a long-term problem. Simple interventions like fluid intake optimization and dietary modification are effective for most stone types. However, patients with specific metabolic abnormalities may require pharmaceutical therapy if lifestyle changes are insufficient to reduce the risk of stone recurrence. The treatment of citrates and/or pyridoxines may help eliminate or prevent recurrences of kidney stones, especially when they are composed of uric acid, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, or the latter two together. In cases of struvite stones, which often necessitate a surgical approach, acetohydroxamic acid emerges as a valuable second-line treatment option. Thiol-binding agents may be needed for cystinuria, as well as lifestyle modifications. Successful treatment reduces stone recurrence and the need to remove stones surgically.

Keywords: calcium; citrates; kidney stones; pyridoxine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Oxalate
  • Citrates
  • Humans
  • Kidney Calculi* / drug therapy
  • Kidney Calculi* / surgery
  • Life Style
  • Pyridoxine*

Substances

  • Pyridoxine
  • Citrates
  • Calcium Oxalate