You may be sent home with multiple prescriptions for medications after kidney stone surgery. These medications are commonly used for stent symptoms and discomfort after the procedure.
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Tylenol is available over the counter and reduces pain from the procedure and discomfort from the stent. Unless you have significant liver problems, you can and should take Tylenol every 6 hours as necessary for pain.
Diclofenac (Voltaren)
This prescription is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. It may be taken every 12 hours as needed for flank pain after your surgery. It can cause upset stomach most commonly. You may switch to another non-prescription NSAID like Ibuprofen after your prescription is completed.
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
This medication relaxes the smooth muscles in the prostate, bladder neck and ureter to improve discomfort from the stent. It may be taken once daily for stent discomfort. It can cause some dizziness when standing too quickly, so you may find it easier to tolerate before bedtime.
Pyridium (phenazopyridine)
The medication helps with bladder spasms from the surgery and the stent by “numbing” the bladder lining. It turns your urine orange so do not be alarmed. It may be taken three times a day as necessary for up to three days.
Opioids (Oxycodone, Hydromorphone etc.)
Opioid medications are sometimes prescribed after kidney stone surgery if there is a good reason why patients cannot take an NSAID like diclofenac or ibuprofen. Opioids unfortunately do not work very well for stent pain. They also can make you drowsy, give you an upset stomach, be constipating and can be addictive. If you are taking opioids for pain, you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery. The dosage can vary but typically these can be taken every 6 hours as necessary.