Renacidin

Renacidin is an irrigation solution that's placed into bladder catheters and tubes to prevent clogs. It's also used to break down certain types of bladder and kidney stones. Renacidin is a combination of three chemicals: citric acid, gluconolactone, and magnesium carbonate. Citric acid and gluconolactone make Renacidin acidic, which helps break down bladder and kidney stones or mineral deposits in the tubes. In addition, both citric acid and magnesium carbonate attach to calcium in the urine, which then dissolves in the irrigation solution. This lowers the amount of calcium in the urine so certain calcium-containing stones are less likely to form.

Renacidin can be given at home by yourself or by a healthcare provider. How much and how often you use Renacidin can vary depending on what you're using the medication for. Your provider will give you exact instructions on how to use this medication at home before you start. In general, 30 mL of Renacidin is given through the catheter or tube each time. For the treatment of bladder or kidney stones, you can receive Renacidin over 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a day. For the prevention of clogs in the catheter or tube, you can receive Renacidin over 10 minutes, 3 times a day. Don't use this medication if it's cloudy or has particles (solid chunks) in it.

Renacidin can sometimes irritate the bladder, which can cause a sudden need to urinate. The bladder can also become inflamed as a reaction to the medication. Other side effects of Renacidin include fever; urinary tract infections (e.g., pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination); and belly, back, or side pain. If you experience any of these side effects, stop using Renacidin immediately and tell your provider right away.

Since Renacidin is given through a catheter, it's important to keep your catheter and the surrounding area clean and dry to prevent infections. Check with your provider if you have questions about how to take care of your catheter at home. If the skin around the catheter is red, painful, feels hard, or if there's pus, let your provider know right away. These could be signs and symptoms of an infection. In addition, always make sure your catheter or tube isn't blocked by any calcium crystals that might be in the urine while using Renacidin. During treatment with Renacidin, your provider will also routinely perform blood and urine tests to make sure this medication is safe for you. Blood tests help track any changes in certain electrolyte or protein levels in the blood, and urine tests can help identify possible infections early.