To relieve kidney pain, a doctor may prescribe or recommend pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or opioids, such as ketorolac, ibuprofen, diclofenac or tramadol. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation in the urinary tract.

Because kidney pain can have different causes, like kidney stones, cysts, infections or problems with kidney function, treatment should always be guided by a doctor after a proper evaluation. Depending on the cause, this may be a primary care provider, a urologist or a nephrologist.

Some home remedies, like chanca piedra tea or hibiscus tea, may be used alongside medical treatment to help relieve discomfort, as they are thought to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, they should only be used with guidance from a health care provider, especially in people with kidney disease or who take other medications.

Pharmacy medications

The most commonly recommended medications for kidney pain are:

1. Diclofenac

Diclofenac may be prescribed for sudden kidney pain, especially renal colic. It reduces the inflammation and pressure that build up inside the kidney when something, like a stone, blocks the flow of urine.

During an acute attack, it usually relieves pain quickly and causes less nausea and vomiting than opioids. In the US, oral diclofenac requires a prescription.

It is not safe for everyone. It should be avoided in people with kidney failure, heart disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Learn more about diclofenac and its side effects.

2. Indomethacin

Indomethacin (Indocin) is another prescription anti-inflammatory that may be used for renal colic. It reduces the inflammatory response that makes the pain worse.

Although it is effective, it requires extra caution. It is linked to a higher risk of kidney function problems, high blood potassium and heart-related side effects.

For this reason, it should only be used under medical supervision.

3. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be recommended for kidney pain, especially when it is caused by kidney stones. It helps control the inflammation and pain of an attack, and is available over the counter.

Long-term use or high doses can affect kidney function and raise the risk of heart problems or bleeding. It is not recommended for people with kidney disease, dehydration or heart problems unless a doctor advises it.

4. Ketorolac

Ketorolac is mainly used for severe kidney pain, like intense renal colic, because it has a strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. In US emergency rooms, it is often given as an injection.

It is a prescription medication used only for short periods, no more than 5 days in total. It works quickly and can control pain without the need for opioids.

However, using it longer than prescribed can damage the kidneys and raise the risk of bleeding and heart problems.

5. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain reliever that a doctor may recommend for kidney pain. It acts on the nervous system to reduce the feeling of pain, without affecting blood flow to the kidneys.

It is used when anti-inflammatories are not suitable, or as a safer option for people with kidney disease. Because many over-the-counter cold and flu products also contain acetaminophen, it is important to check labels to avoid taking too much. Learn more about acetaminophen doses and how to take it.

6. Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid used when kidney pain does not improve with other pain relievers, or when anti-inflammatories cannot be used. In the US, it is a controlled substance and requires a prescription.

It acts on the central nervous system rather than on kidney inflammation, so it is usually considered a second-line option.

7. Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is an antibiotic. It is not used to relieve pain, but to treat infections that affect the kidney.

As it clears the bacteria, the inflammation goes down and the pain gradually improves.

It is used for kidney infections, especially when there is fever, chills or pain when urinating, and in some cases of infected kidney stones. It carries an FDA warning about rare but serious side effects, like tendon rupture and nerve damage, so it should only be used as prescribed.

It is important to drink enough fluids while taking it to reduce the risk of crystals forming in the urine.

8. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) is another antibiotic that may be prescribed when kidney pain is caused by an infection, like pyelonephritis. Learn more about pyelonephritis and its symptoms.

It does not relieve pain directly. Its role is to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection, so symptoms improve gradually.

Home remedies for kidney pain

Along with medical treatment, some home remedies can help ease discomfort and support kidney health:

1. Apply heat to the lower back

Placing a warm compress or a hot water bottle on the lower back, or on the side where the pain is felt, can help ease the pain of renal colic. Heat may also help reduce the nausea and anxiety that often come with this type of pain.

This measure can also be used to ease discomfort from a kidney infection, alongside medical treatment. Avoid very high temperatures to prevent skin burns.

2. Drink enough water

Drinking enough fluids throughout the day helps prevent dehydration and helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract, which may ease discomfort during an infection. It also makes urine less concentrated, which makes it harder for kidney stones to form.

However, the right amount of fluid varies from person to person. People with kidney or heart failure, who have been told to limit fluids, or who may have a urinary blockage should follow their doctor's advice on how much to drink.

3. Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), one of the causes of kidney pain. Cranberries contain substances called proanthocyanidins, which stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

The FDA allows a qualified health claim stating that one 8-oz serving a day of a cranberry juice beverage may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in healthy women, although the evidence is limited. The claim applies to drinks with at least 27% cranberry juice.

This remedy is most useful for women with frequent UTIs. It does not replace antibiotics when an infection is already present, and it is not recommended for prevention in pregnant women or older adults without medical advice. People who take blood thinners should talk to their doctor before drinking it.

4. Water with lemon juice

Adding lemon juice to the water consumed throughout the day may help prevent kidney stones. Lemons are rich in citrate, a substance that increases in the urine and makes it harder for some types of stones to form.

It is best to prepare lemon water without sugar. This remedy only complements hydration and medical treatment, and should not be used to relieve the pain of renal colic.

5. Stone breaker tea

Chanca piedra tea, also known as stonebreaker, is made from the plant Phyllanthus niruri. It contains compounds like gallic acid and corilagin. Some studies suggest it may help prevent kidney stones and help pass small stones. See how to make chanca piedra tea.

In the US, chanca piedra is sold as a tea and as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not reviewed it for safety or effectiveness, so it should be used only with guidance from a health care provider.

6. Hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea has a diuretic effect, meaning it increases urine production. It also has antimicrobial properties, so it may help prevent urinary tract infections.

Neither chanca piedra nor hibiscus tea should be taken during a kidney stone attack unless a doctor recommends it. They are also not recommended during pregnancy. Hibiscus should be used with caution by people who take blood pressure medications. See other home remedies to prevent kidney stones.

When to see a doctor

It is important to get medical care right away if kidney pain comes with fever, chills, vomiting, blood in the urine or difficulty urinating, or if the pain is very severe. In these cases, go to the emergency room or call 911.

How to Relieve Kidney Pain: Medications & Home Remedies