What Is the Best Medicine for Stent Pain?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Up to 80% of patients with ureteral stents experience bothersome symptoms and pain. Managing discomfort depends heavily on the type of stent and its location, making the question of what is the best medicine for stent pain dependent on individual circumstances and medical advice.

Quick Summary

Managing pain from a ureteral or coronary stent requires different approaches. Treatment for urinary tract stents often includes alpha-blockers and anticholinergics, while cardiac stent pain management focuses on acetaminophen due to safety concerns with other pain relievers.

Key Points

Differentiate Stent Types: The best medicine for stent pain depends on whether the stent is in the urinary tract (ureteral) or a heart artery (coronary).
Ureteral Stent Medications: Pain from a ureteral stent is often treated with a combination of alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin), anticholinergics (like oxybutynin), and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Avoid NSAIDs with Coronary Stents: For coronary stents, patients should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to an increased risk of complications. Acetaminophen is the safer option for minor pain.
Combination Therapy Can Be Effective: Studies suggest that combination therapies, such as an alpha-blocker and an anticholinergic, can provide superior relief for ureteral stent pain compared to a single medication.
Consider Non-Drug Relief: Alongside medication, strategies like staying well-hydrated, using heat packs, and avoiding bladder irritants can help manage stent-related discomfort.
Report Severe Pain Immediately: Any severe pain, especially chest pain after a coronary stent, warrants immediate medical attention and is not typically addressed by over-the-counter pain medication.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: The specific medication and dosage should always be discussed with a doctor to ensure the treatment is appropriate for your individual health status.

Differentiating Between Stent Pain and Medication Needs

Pain associated with a stent can stem from two primary types: ureteral and coronary. A ureteral stent, placed in the urinary tract, can cause pain in the flank or bladder, urinary urgency, and spasms. A coronary stent, placed in a heart artery, may cause some tenderness at the insertion site but should not cause severe or chest-related pain. Understanding the source of the pain is the first and most critical step in determining what is the best medicine for stent pain.

Medication for Ureteral Stent Pain

Ureteral stents are often temporary devices used to keep the ureter open, usually after a procedure for kidney stones. The pain is typically caused by irritation of the bladder lining or muscle spasms. A multi-modal approach is often recommended, combining different classes of drugs to address various symptoms.

Alpha-Blockers

Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin (Flomax®) are frequently prescribed to relax the smooth muscles of the urinary system. By relaxing the ureter and bladder neck, these medications can reduce spasms, decrease urinary urgency, and lessen flank pain. Studies have shown they can significantly improve patient comfort with minimal side effects like dizziness or a stuffy nose.

Anticholinergics (Antimuscarinics)

Anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) or solifenacin (Vesicare), are used to manage bladder spasms and overactivity. These medications work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can cause bladder muscles to contract. This class of drugs is particularly helpful for patients experiencing significant urinary urgency and cramping. Common side effects can include dry mouth and constipation.

Urinary Analgesics

For burning or discomfort while urinating, a urinary analgesic like phenazopyridine (Azo, Pyridium) is often recommended. This medication soothes the urinary tract but does not treat the underlying cause. A notable side effect is that it turns urine and other bodily fluids a bright orange color.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Acetaminophen

Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol) are common recommendations for general pain relief. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to stent discomfort. Acetaminophen is a good alternative for those who cannot take NSAIDs due to chronic kidney disease or stomach issues. Regular, scheduled doses can be more effective than taking them only when pain is severe.

Medication for Coronary Stent Pain

Pain after a coronary stent procedure is very different and requires different medication considerations. The procedure involves placing a catheter through an artery, often in the groin or arm, which can lead to minor bruising and soreness at the insertion site. More serious pain, like chest pain, should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

For general tenderness and minor pain at the catheter insertion site, acetaminophen is the recommended over-the-counter option. It is important to follow dosage instructions and not exceed the recommended daily limit.

Avoiding NSAIDs

Patients with heart stents are strongly advised to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with heart disease and can interfere with the antiplatelet medications prescribed after a stent placement.

Antiplatelet Medications

While not for pain, antiplatelet medications like aspirin and clopidogrel are crucial after a coronary stent to prevent blood clots and future heart attacks. Adherence to this medication schedule is vital and should not be stopped without a doctor’s guidance.

Other Pain Management Strategies

In addition to medication, several non-pharmacological strategies can help manage stent discomfort, particularly for ureteral stents:

Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps dilute the urine, which can reduce irritation. Aim for about 100 ounces (3 liters) of fluid daily.
Heat Therapy: Applying a heat pack to the back or bladder area can provide significant relief from spasms and discomfort.
Avoiding Bladder Irritants: Limiting consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and acidic drinks can prevent bladder irritation.
Managing Constipation: Anesthesia and pain medication can cause constipation, which can worsen stent pain. Using over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives may be necessary.

Ureteral Stent Medication Comparison Table


Medication Class	Examples	Primary Symptom Treated	Potential Side Effects	Notes
Alpha-Blockers	Tamsulosin (Flomax), Silodosin	Bladder spasms, urinary urgency, flank pain	Dizziness, stuffy nose, low blood pressure	Effective for relaxing the urinary system
Anticholinergics	Oxybutynin (Ditropan), Solifenacin (Vesicare)	Bladder spasms, urinary urgency	Dry mouth, constipation	Addresses bladder overactivity caused by the stent
Urinary Analgesics	Phenazopyridine (Pyridium, Azo)	Urinary burning, discomfort	Orange discoloration of urine and fluids	Only soothes, does not treat underlying issue
NSAIDs	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve)	General pain, inflammation	Stomach irritation, kidney issues (caution advised)	Use with caution, especially with kidney problems
Acetaminophen	Tylenol, Paracetamol	General pain relief	Liver issues (high dose)	Safer for kidneys and heart than NSAIDs

Conclusion

There is no single best medicine for stent pain; the ideal treatment plan is customized based on the type of stent, the specific symptoms, and individual patient health factors. For ureteral stents, a multi-modal approach combining alpha-blockers, anticholinergics, and OTC pain relievers is often most effective. The combination of silodosin and solifenacin has been shown to be particularly effective for urinary symptoms and pain. In contrast, managing pain from a coronary stent procedure requires a much more cautious approach, primarily relying on acetaminophen for minor insertion site pain while strictly avoiding NSAIDs. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective strategy for your situation.

For more detailed information on managing urinary stent symptoms, including lifestyle changes, you can consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic's guide on ureteral stents.

Frequently Asked Questions

For general pain relief from either a ureteral or coronary stent, acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol) is often recommended and is generally the safest option. For ureteral stents, some people may use NSAIDs like ibuprofen, but caution is advised, especially if you have kidney or heart issues.

Patients with coronary stents should avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen because they can interfere with blood-thinning medications and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Acetaminophen is the safer pain-relief choice for heart patients.

Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin relax the smooth muscles in the ureter and bladder, which can reduce spasms and urinary symptoms like frequency, urgency, and pain.

Bladder spasms related to a ureteral stent can be effectively managed with anticholinergics or antimuscarinics, such as oxybutynin or solifenacin, which work to calm the bladder muscles.

Yes, a urinary analgesic like phenazopyridine (Azo, Pyridium) can soothe the burning sensation when urinating. This medication causes urine to turn a bright orange color.

While some over-the-counter options like acetaminophen can help, prescription medications like alpha-blockers and anticholinergics may be necessary to effectively manage more severe pain and spasms from a ureteral stent. Always consult your doctor.

Stent-related pain is typically most bothersome in the days following placement and can last until the stent is removed. Your doctor will provide specific guidance on how long to take medication, and you should follow their recommendations.