Health Library

Potassium citrate (By mouth)

Potassium Citrate (poe-TAS-ee-um SIT-rate)

Treats and prevents kidney stones by lowering the amount of acid in urine.

Brand Name(s):

Urocit-K, Urocit-K 10, Urocit-K 5

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine with a meal or bedtime snack, or within 30 minutes after a meal.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet, or if the tablet seems to stick or gets stuck in your throat.
• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• 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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines and foods can affect how potassium citrate works. Tell your doctor if you also use a diuretic (water pill) or medicine that makes your mouth dry or causes constipation.
• Limit how much salt (sodium) you eat and drink. Do not add salt to your food.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, problems with your adrenal gland, digestion problems, or previous heart attack.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Too much potassium in the blood
  • Bleeding or damage in the digestive system, such as an ulcer
• 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
• Severe vomiting, stomach pain, bloody or black, tarry stools
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
• Fast or uneven heartbeat

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

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort

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