Drug
Tiopronin
Pronounced
"tye-OH-proe-nin"
Uses
This medication is used to prevent kidney stones in people with a certain inherited disorder (cystinuria). Cystinuria occurs when there is too much of a certain natural substance (the amino acid cystine) in the urine, leading to formation of kidney stones. Tiopronin works by making cystine more dissolvable in the urine.
This medication should be used in combination with other methods to prevent kidney stones (such as drinking plenty of water, taking alkali treatment, following a special diet).
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually three times daily. Some brands of this medication should be taken without food but other brands may be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist about your brand of tiopronin. If your brand may be taken with or without food, it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole, ask your pharmacist if your brand may be crushed and mixed in applesauce. Follow your pharmacist's instructions carefully.
Avoid drinking alcohol 2 hours before and 3 hours after taking this medication. Drinking alcohol may increase the amount of this medication in your body which may cause serious side effects.
Continue to drink plenty of water and to take the alkali medication as directed by your doctor. Closely follow the diet recommended by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. Children's dosage may be based on weight.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.