Health Library

Potassium bicarbonate/citric acid (By mouth)

Citric Acid (SIT-rik AS-id), Potassium Bicarbonate (poe-TAS-ee-um bye-KAR-bo-nate)

Treats and prevents low of potassium in the blood.

Brand Name(s):

Effer-K, Klor-Con/EF

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Fizzy Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine with food or right away after a meal. You may sip the medicine slowly for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Effer-K® 10 mEq tablets:
  • Flavored (Cherry Vanilla): Dissolve the tablet completely in 2 to 3 ounces (58 to 85 ml) of cold or ice water.
  • Unflavored: Dissolve the tablet completely in 2 to 3 ounces (58 to 85 ml) of cold juice.
• Effer-K® 20 mEq tablets:
  • Flavored (Orange Cream): Dissolve the tablet completely in 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 115 ml) of cold or ice water.
  • Unflavored: Dissolve the tablet completely in 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 115 ml) of cold juice.
• Effer-K® 25 mEq tablets:
  • Flavored (Orange, Lemon Citrus, or Cherry Berry): Dissolve the tablet completely in 4 ounces of cold or ice water.
  • Unflavored: Dissolve the tablet completely in 12 to 16 ounces of cold juice.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablet in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you also take a diuretic (water pill), including spironolactone or triamterene.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how potassium bicarbonate/citric acid works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
  • Cyclosporine, digoxin
  • Blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers)
  • Blood thinners (including heparin)
  • NSAIDs
  • Other medicine that contains potassium
• Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet or if you are also using salt substitutes.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, or stomach or bowel problems (including blockage, ulcer).
• This medicine may cause hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood).
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Black, tarry stools, stomach pain, constipation
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024