1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Scholar, VELS Institute of Science Technology & Advanced Studies, VELS University, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: mohammedfaisal.fayaaz@gmail.com
2Department of Pharmacology, Professor & Head, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, VELS Institute of Science Technology & Advanced Studies, VELS University, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding Author: Faisal Hussain Ahmed, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Scholar, VELS Institute of Science Technology & Advanced Studies, VELS University, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: mohammedfaisal.fayaaz@gmail.com
Background: Urolithiasis is one of the most common urological disorders worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity, recurrent episodes, and healthcare burden. Pharmacological therapy plays a crucial role in both the acute management and prevention of recurrent kidney stones. However, poor medication adherence among patients often leads to treatment failure and increased recurrence rates. Additionally, the disease and its complications have a significant impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected individuals.
Aim and Objectives: This review aims to evaluate the role of pharmacotherapy, medication adherence, and their influence on health-related quality of life among patients with urolithiasis.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, for studies published between 2018 and 2025. Relevant articles focusing on pharmacological management, adherence patterns, and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with urolithiasis were included.
Results: The literature suggests pharmacological interventions, such as Potassium Citrate, Allopurinol, Tamsulosin, and Hydrochlorothiazide, are commonly used for the prevention and management of urolithiasis. Studies indicate that medication non-adherence remains a major barrier to successful therapy and contributes to recurrent stone formation and increased hospitalizations. Furthermore, urolithiasis significantly affects patients' physical, psychological, and social well-being.
Conclusion: Improving medication adherence through patient education, pharmacist-led interventions, and optimized pharmacotherapy may enhance treatment outcomes and improve quality of life in patients with urolithiasis.
Keywords: Urolithiasis, Pharmacotherapy, Medication adherence, Kidney stones, Health-related quality of life, Patient outcomes
How to cite this article: Ahmed FH, Darwin CR. Medication Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Urolithiasis: A Narrative Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 959-971. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.110
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None