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Painkillers vs Stone Medicines: Key Differences | Bangalore

By Dr. Raju R 07 February 2026
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Health blog about Painkillers vs Stone Medicines: Key Differences | Bangalore

Painkillers vs Stone Medicines: What’s the Difference?

People with kidney stone pain often take painkillers first. Common tablets like Voveran, Brufen, Combiflam, or Dolo are frequently used for relief. Some patients are also given “stone medicines” such as tamsulosin-based tablets and assume the stone will dissolve or disappear.

These medicines serve very different purposes, and misunderstanding their role is one of the main reasons kidney stone treatment gets delayed.

Are painkillers and stone medicines the same?

No.

Painkillers reduce pain.
Stone medicines help the urinary tract function better.

Neither category automatically removes the stone.

Why kidney stone pain happens

Kidney stone pain occurs due to:

  • Stretching of the ureter
  • Muscle spasm around the stone
  • Urine blockage behind the stone

Pain is often sudden, severe, and wave-like.

What painkillers do in kidney stone pain

Painkillers are prescribed to control pain, not to treat the stone.

Common painkillers used

Doctors may prescribe medicines such as:

  • Diclofenac (Voveran)
  • Ibuprofen (Brufen)
  • Aceclofenac
  • Paracetamol (Dolo) for mild pain

These medicines work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.

What painkillers cannot do

Painkillers do not:

  • Break kidney stones
  • Help stones pass
  • Remove blockage
  • Treat infection
  • Prevent recurrence

Pain relief does not mean the stone is gone.

Why pain may reduce even when the stone is still present

Pain may reduce because:

  • The stone temporarily stops moving
  • Muscle spasm settles
  • Pain signals are masked

This often creates false reassurance, leading to delayed evaluation.

What stone medicines are meant for

Stone medicines are prescribed to support stone passage, not pain relief alone.

Common stone medicines doctors use

Doctors may prescribe medicines such as:

  • Tamsulosin
  • Silodosin
  • Alfuzosin

These medicines:

  • Relax the ureter
  • Reduce spasm
  • Improve urine flow around the stone
  • Increase chances of passing small stones

What stone medicines cannot do

Stone medicines cannot:

  • Dissolve most kidney stones
  • Work for large or impacted stones
  • Control severe pain on their own
  • Treat fever or infection
  • Prevent kidney damage if urine flow is blocked

Painkillers vs Stone Medicines: Clear difference

Painkillers

  • Reduce pain and inflammation
  • Give temporary relief
  • Do not affect stone movement

Stone medicines

  • Relax urinary tract muscles
  • Help small stones pass
  • Do not dissolve stones

Using one without understanding the other leads to incomplete care.

Why patients keep suffering despite taking medicines

This happens when:

  • Stone size is too large
  • Stone is stuck
  • Infection is present
  • Kidney swelling has started
  • Urine flow is blocked

At this stage, medicines alone are not enough.

When should medicines not be continued blindly?

Medical evaluation is advised if:

  • Pain lasts more than 24–48 hours
  • Pain keeps returning after tablets
  • Fever or chills are present
  • Vomiting occurs
  • Urine flow reduces
  • Blood appears in urine

Tests that guide the right decision

Doctors may advise:

  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan (if required)

These tests decide whether medicines are safe or intervention is needed.

OPD or admission: how doctors decide

Decision depends on:

  • Stone size and location
  • Pain control
  • Infection
  • Kidney function
  • Ability to pass urine

Many patients are treated safely in OPD with monitoring.

Common self-medication mistakes

  • Repeating painkillers daily
  • Taking old prescriptions
  • Assuming stone medicines dissolve stones
  • Avoiding scans due to fear of surgery

These increase complication risk.

Why hospital evaluation prevents unnecessary surgery

Early evaluation helps:

  • Identify stones that can pass safely
  • Detect silent blockage
  • Avoid repeated pain episodes
  • Prevent kidney damage

Many patients avoid surgery when evaluated early.

Does location matter in Bangalore?

Yes.

For people around BTM Layout, Jayadeva, Jayanagar, and Bannerghatta Road, nearby hospital access allows:

  • Faster scans
  • Easier follow-up
  • Safer monitoring

When should you choose Genesiss Hospital in BTM Layout?

At Genesiss Hospital:

  • Medicines are prescribed after evaluation
  • Stone size and safety are assessed
  • Unnecessary surgery is avoided
  • Patient safety is prioritised

Conclusion

Painkillers and stone medicines are not the same.
Painkillers control pain.
Stone medicines help small stones pass.

Neither replaces proper evaluation when pain persists. Knowing this difference prevents delays and complications.

FAQs

Are painkillers enough to treat kidney stones?

No. Painkillers only reduce pain and do not remove stones.

Do stone medicines dissolve kidney stones?

No. Most kidney stones do not dissolve with medicines.

Can I take stone medicines without scans?

Stone medicines should be taken only after medical evaluation.

Why does pain return after tablets?

Pain returns because the stone is still present or blocking urine flow.

Which hospital should I visit near BTM Layout?

A nearby multispeciality hospital like Genesiss Multi-speciality hospital with urology services is ideal for evaluation.

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