Use of nifedipine in the management of ureteric stones

Background: Conservative observation, ureteroscopic stone extraction and various forms of lithotripsy, with or without ureteral stent, are now the usual management options for ureteric stones. In
industrialized countries, they have largely replaced invasive surgeries like pyelolithotomy and
ureterolithotomy, but which are still frequently required in developing ones.
Case Report: I report two cases of hypertensive patients with ureteric stones, where nifedipine unexpectedly seemed to aid the passing of stones. In the second case, the stones were present for at least
more than three months and pelvicalyceal system was dilated. When the patient was put on oral nifedipine 10 mg retard twice daily for hypertension, she passed the stones within a few weeks. Her second stone was 9 X 10 mm in size.
Conclusions: The effect of nifedipine in ureteric stones may not be surprising, when we consider its smooth muscle relaxant effect throughout the body. If it is so, nifedipine could help the management
of ureteric stones, with or without surgery or other expensive interventions. This could be especially useful in developing countries, where other interventions may not be freely available.
The beneficial effect of nifedipine in the management of the ureteric stones, particularly before submitting the patients to any invasive interventions, deserves further investigation.

Keywords: ueteric stone, nephrolithiasis, Nifedipine