Drugs >  Potassium Citrate
Potassium Citrate
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(poe TASS ee um SIT rate)

Brand Names
Urocit®-K

Therapeutic Categories
Alkalinizing Agent

Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to potassium citrate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Adynamia episodica hereditaria, dehydration, heat cramps, high potassium levels, poor kidney function, or untreated Addison's disease.

  • What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to increase the urine's pH.
  • This medicine is used to treat acid conditions in the blood.
  • This medicine is used to treat gout attacks.

  • How does it work?
  • Citric acid solutions, such as potassium citrate, decrease acid in the blood and urine.

  • How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine after meals.
  • Mix with water and drink.

  • What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

  • What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have kidney stones, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

  • What are the common side effects of this medicine?
  • High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.

  • What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.

  • Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

  • How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

  • General statements
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

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