Rowatinex for the treatment of ureterolithiasis

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed on 87 patients with ureterolithiasis, assessing the effect of the essential oil preparation Rowatinex (Rowa Pharmaceuticals, Ireland) for the treatment of ureterolithiasis. Forty-three patients were treated with Rowatinex and 44 patients with placebo. Despite the larger average diameter of calculi in the group of patients treated with Rowatinex, the overall stone expulsion rate was significantly higher in the Rowatinex group as compared to placebo: 81% and 59%, respectively (0.025 > p > 0.01). This higher rate of stone expulsion is observed in patients with disappearance of pretreatment ureteral dilatation (when patients with expelled stones are excluded) (0.05 > p > 0.001). Seven patients in the Rowatinex group had mild to moderate gastrointestinal disturbances; no other significant side effects were noted during the treatment in either group. We conclude that early treatment with Rowatinex for patients with ureteral stones is indicated before other more aggressive measures are considered.