Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Potassium Citrate?
Potassium citrate is a mineral that is used to treat kidney stones.
Potassium citrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use potassium citrate if you have:
- high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
- kidney failure;
- a bladder or kidney infection;
- untreated or uncontrolled diabetes;
- an adrenal gland disorder;
- a blockage in your intestines;
- problems with your esophagus, stomach, or intestines that affect swallowing or digestion;
- a peptic ulcer in your stomach;
- wasting syndrome;
- a large tissue injury (such as a severe burn);
- if you are dehydrated or malnourished; or
- if you take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney problems other than kidney stones;
- too much acid in your body (acidosis);
- a stomach ulcer;
- heart problems; or
- chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Potassium citrate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Potassium Citrate
Use Potassium Citrate (Urocit-K) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take with a meal or bedtime snack, or within 30 minutes after a meal.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or suck on it.
The tablet may irritate your mouth or throat. Tell your doctor if it feels like the tablet gets stuck in your throat when you swallow it.
You may need to follow a special diet while using potassium citrate. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.
You will need frequent urine and blood tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
Limit your salt intake and drink plenty of fluids while taking potassium citrate.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Potassium Citrate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe vomiting or stomach pain;
- high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
- signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Common side effects may include:
- upset stomach, nausea, vomiting; or
- diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Potassium Citrate?
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid strenuous exercise if you are not in proper condition for it.