Effect of tetracycline on calcium oxalate calculi: in vivo and in vitro studies.

Inadvertent use of tetracycline hydrochloride while producing calcium oxalate stones in the rat resulted in a reduction of papillary concretions by one-half. Parenchymal calcifications in the continuing long term, preformed stone group were reduced to levels comparable to that of other useful agents. In vitro studies corroborated these findings at physiologic urinary pH ranges. The rationale and comparisons to other anticalculus drugs are discussed.