I Had A Lithotripsy Procedure A Few Weeks Ago, And

Posted on Fri, 11 Oct 2019

Question: I had a lithotripsy procedure a few weeks ago, and was prescribed Flowmax during a follow-up visit to my urologist. The morning after my first dose of Flowmax, I noticed a thick white foam component in my urine. My first guess was that it might be albumen, or a reaction to the Flowmax. There has been no white foam since I stopped taking Flowmax. I've been unable to contact my urologist and so I was wondering if I should keep taking the Flowmax given this reaction.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Foamy urine is not a common side effect of Flowmax. I would recommend you to start using it again as the doctor recommended.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

Generally, foamy urine is a source of concern if it is persistent, meaning if it happens regularly. A single episode may be a normal finding and may be affected by the speed of urination.

Foamy urine, if persistent, can be caused by several conditions but it is not recognized as a likely side effect of Flowmax.

First of all, when foamy urine is present continuously, tests to check the kidney function are important. In this case, a simple urine analysis to rule out the presence of albumin in the urine can be done in the office of your GP and may give some peace of mind.

I understand that the foamy urine was after starting Flowmax, but this can be a random event and not really related to Flowmax.

To conclude:

- A single episode of foamy urine is of no source of concern
- If there are repeat episodes of foamy urine, you will need at least a simple urinalysis, which can also be done in the office of your GP

- Other tests to check kidney function (blood levels of urea, creatinine, and electrolytes) may be ordered as well.

- I would recommend you to restart Flowmax (it is sometimes used to assist expelling stones larger than 1cm).

- If the urine gets foamy again, probably this can be due to the improved urine speed and strength by Flowmax but a urinalysis is needed to be sure

I hope this is helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (58 minutes later)

Hi Dr. Zotaj,

Thanks very much for your timely and helpful response.

Best,
David

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is my pleasure to assist you

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

It is my pleasure to assist you.

I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee