Thiola (Tiopronin)

What is Thiola?

Thiola (tiopronin) is a chelating agent, used to prevent the formation of stones in the kidney.

What is Thiola used for?

Thiola is primarily used in patients with a certain inherited disorder known as cystinuria. This disorder occurs when there is too much accumulation of amino acids in the urine which lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys.

How does Thiola work?

Thiola generally works by making cystine more dissolvable in the urine and thus removing the excess cystine from the urine. The excess cystine is responsible for the formation of stones in the kidney. Hence by removing the excess cystine, Thiola prevents the formation of stones in the kidney.

How to use Thiola

Thiola should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking a higher dose than prescribed may prove to be harmful. The dosage of Thiola depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Thiola is generally taken 2-3 hours after meal, thrice a day. However the dosage may vary depending on the instructions from your physician. Drink plenty of water, especially during the night, while being treated with Thiola.

While taking this medicine, you should closely follow the diet instructions given by your doctor. To get the most benefits of this medicine, it is best to take it at the same time of each day.

Thiola warnings and precautions

Thiola is not administered to patients who are allergic to its ingredients. You should not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding or if you have a history of anemia, liver or kidney disesase or low platelet counts. You should consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be one, or if you are taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed drug.

What do I do if I have missed a Thiola dose?

If you have missed a Thiola dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Thiola overdose?

The consequences of a Thiola overdose are not yet fully known. However, whenever you suspect that you have had too much of the drug, it is advised that you stop taking the drug and consult a local poison center or your physician immediately.

Thiola interactions

Drug interactions with this medicine are not yet fully known. However, you should always discuss in detail all the medicines that you are currently prescribing and your medical history with your doctor before taking this medicine. 

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Thiola side effects

Side effects from Thiola include severe allergic reactions especially swelling of your mouth, lips and other facial organs, weakness of muscles, join pain, jaundice, red skin rash with fever and unusual bleeding or bruising. In such scenarios, stop taking the drug and consult your doctor immediately.

You might also experience some appetite loss, diarrhea, changes in taste, wrinkling of skin, gas, nausea and soft stools. These are some common and less serious side effects of Thiola.