Tiopronin

Generic name: tiopronin [ tye-OH-proe-nin ]
Brand names: Thiola, Thiola EC
Dosage forms: oral delayed release tablet (100 mg; 300 mg), oral tablet (100 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is tiopronin?

Tiopronin is used together with diet, fluids, and other medicines to help prevent kidney stones in adults and children weighing at least 44 pounds (20 kilograms).

Tiopronin is usually given after diet, increased fluid intake, or other medications have failed.

Tiopronin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tiopronin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash; fever, swollen glands, joint pain; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of kidney problems--puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, or urine that looks foamy.

Common side effects of tiopronin may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, vomiting;

• feeling tired;

• fever;

• muscle or joint pain;

• foamy urine;

• rash; or

• mouth sores.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use tiopronin if you are allergic to it.

tiopronin should not be given to a child who is unable to swallow a tablet.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tiopronin will harm an unborn baby. However, having a kidney stone during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight or premature birth. The benefit of preventing kidney stones may outweigh any risks to the baby.

You should not breastfeed while using tiopronin.

How should I take tiopronin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking tiopronin.

You will need frequent urine tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Tiopronin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cystinuria:

The dose should be based on that amount required to reduce urinary cystine concentration to below its solubility limit (generally less than 250 mg/L).
-Initial dose: 800 mg orally daily in divided doses 3 times a day
-Maintenance dose: 1000 mg orally daily or less in divided doses 3 times a day

Comments:
-Urinary cystine should be measured at 1 month after beginning therapy and every 3 months thereafter; adjust the dose depending on the urinary cystine value.
-Before beginning therapy with this drug conservative treatment should be attempted first.

Use: In combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation in patients with severe homozygous cystinuria, who are not responsive to these measures alone

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystinuria:

The dose should be based on that amount required to reduce urinary cystine concentration to below its solubility limit (generally less than 250 mg/L).

9 to 18 years: 15 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses 3 times a day

Comments:
-Urinary cystine should be measured at 1 month after beginning therapy and every 3 months thereafter. Adjust the dose depending on the urinary cystine value.
-Before beginning therapy with this drug conservative treatment should be attempted first.

Use: In combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation in pediatric patients 20 kg and greater with severe homozygous cystinuria, who are not responsive to these measures alone

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking tiopronin?

Avoid drinking alcohol 2 hours before and 3 hours after taking tiopronin.

What other drugs will affect tiopronin?

Other drugs may affect tiopronin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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