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potassium citrate tablet - oral, Urocit-K

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GENERIC NAME: POTASSIUM CITRATE TABLET - ORAL (poh-TASS-ee-um SYE-trate)

BRAND NAME(S): Urocit-K

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to make the urine less acidic. This effect helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, thereby helping to prevent gout and kidney stones. This medication can also prevent and treat certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease.Citric acid and citrate salts (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urinary alkalinizers. If you have a condition that requires you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, your doctor may direct you to take a product that is lower in potassium and sodium.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times a day with meals or a bedtime snack, or as directed by your doctor.Swallow this medication whole with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablets. Doing so may cause side effects. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.Your doctor may direct you to eat a low-salt (low-sodium) diet and drink lots of fluids. Follow your doctor's directions closely. Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.While taking this medication, you may need to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special paper. The pH will help determine the proper dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur. Taking it after meals will help prevent these side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This drug may cause serious stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., bleeding, blockage, puncture). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: abdominal swelling, black/bloody stools, constipation, dizziness, fast heartbeat, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficult/painful swallowing, severe vomiting, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.This medication may cause high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps/weakness, severe dizziness, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, restlessness), tingling of the hands/feet, unusually cold skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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