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What is Potassium Citrate
Potassium citrateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPotassium citrate, or tripotassium citrate, is a white, odorless powder with a salty taste. It contains 38.3% potassium by weight and becomes very moist when exposed to air. Potassium citrate is used to treat kidney stones caused by renal tubular acidosis and hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
Urocit-Kis the brand name
Potassium Citrate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Urocit-K
Potassium citrate
1985
60
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Potassium citrate, otherwise called Urocit-K, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses like uric acid and NEPHROLITHIASIS, CALCIUM OXALATE .uric acid
NEPHROLITHIASIS, CALCIUM OXALATE
Helps manage Hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis
Lithiasis
Helps manage uric acid lithiasis
Nephrolithiasis
Renal tubular acidosis
Helps manage Tubular Acidosis; Renal
Effectiveness
How Potassium Citrate Affects PatientsPotassium citrate affects the urine in a way that helps prevent crystals and stones from forming in the kidneys. It increases the citrate levels in the urine to make it harder for salts like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid to form crystals. It also stops crystals from forming on their own.
How Potassium Citrate works in the bodyAfter taking potassium citrate, it is broken down in the body and produces an alkaline load. Potassium citrate increases the amount of citrate in the urine, as well as its pH level. Potassium citrate also increases the amount of potassium in the urine, but can also cause a temporary decrease in calcium levels.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Potassium Citrate is contingent upon the acknowledged disorder, including Metabolic Acidosis, laxative and Renal tubular acidosis. The quantity of dosage is outlined in the table beneath, reliant upon the method of delivery (e.g. Solution - Oral or Liquid).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Metabolic Acidosis
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Constipation
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Bowel preparation therapy
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Lithiasis
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
NEPHROLITHIASIS, CALCIUM OXALATE
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
uric acid
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Renal tubular acidosis
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Gout Flares
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Metabolic acidosis
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
laxative
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Kidney Stones
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Uremia
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Nephrolithiasis
1100.0 mg/mL, , 550.0 mg/mL, 5.0 meq, 10.0 meq, 15.0 meq, 1080.0 mg, 3300.0 mg, 540.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 49.5 mg, 0.02 meq/mL, 19.5 mg/mL, 2.7 mg/mL, 2.17 mg/mL, 2.04 mg/mL, 282.0 mg, 847.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mg, 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.4 mg, 40.0 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 160.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 99.0 mg, 0.00148 mg/mg, 30.0 mg, 398.0 mg/mL, 975.0 mg, 1.193 mg/mg, 13.0 mg
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Granule, for solution, Granule, for solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral
Warnings
Potassium Citrate ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Hyperkalemia
Do Not Combine
Impaired Renal Function
Do Not Combine
Urinary tract infection
Do Not Combine
Gastrointestinal tract structure
Do Not Combine
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Do Not Combine
Common Potassium Citrate Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine
Major
The excretion of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine can be decreased when combined with Potassium citrate.
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine
Major
The excretion of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine can be decreased when combined with Potassium citrate.
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine
Major
The excretion of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine can be decreased when combined with Potassium citrate.
Albutrepenonacog alfa
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Albutrepenonacog alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Potassium citrate.
Amiloride
Major
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Potassium citrate is combined with Amiloride.
Potassium Citrate Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of this drug in dogs is 176 mg/kg when given intravenously.
Potassium Citrate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Potassium Citrate?
74 ongoing trials are assessing the capacity of Potassium Citrate to provide Bowel preparation therapy, Kidney Stones and Chronic Constipation relief.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Kidney Stones
45 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 1
Constipation
38 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Bowel preparation therapy
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Metabolic acidosis
0 Actively Recruiting
NEPHROLITHIASIS, CALCIUM OXALATE
0 Actively Recruiting
Gout Flares
0 Actively Recruiting
Nephrolithiasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Lithiasis
0 Actively Recruiting
uric acid
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Metabolic Acidosis
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1
Uremia
0 Actively Recruiting
Renal tubular acidosis
0 Actively Recruiting
laxative
0 Actively Recruiting
Potassium Citrate Reviews: What are patients saying about Potassium Citrate?
5Patient Review
3/28/2013 I was having to go through kidney stone surgery multiple times per year, but since I started taking this medication, I haven't had a single operation in 18 months. It has caused irregular heart beat but a heart pill is reducing that.
5Patient Review
9/18/2016 This medication is great for me, given that I was born with bad kidneys. I have experienced no negative side effects and my kidney count has been stable for 8 years.
5Patient Review
3/23/2022 I had two operations for kidney stones, which caused my kidneys to swell up. Since then, I've passed a kidney stone every year or so. However, since I started taking this medication, I've only passed one stone. And weirdly enough, I also started losing weight without even dieting! I went from a size 18 to a size 14 in just three months. Clearly my body needed some potassium! At first I felt a little strange taking the medication, but after a few weeks I felt perfectly normal again.
5Patient Review
10/8/2013 After a few weeks of mild stomach discomfort, this drug really helped to shrink my stones and I haven't had any growth in over two years!
5Patient Review
7/28/2016 I had 25 stones and many ER visits and surgical procedures. Since starting this drug over 1 1/2 years ago, no more stones....so happy...
4.3Patient Review
1/27/2017 I've been using this medication to prevent kidney stones and it has been working great for me.
3.7Patient Review
9/10/2011 I've been on this medication for over 20 years, and I feel like I've had more stones than ever before. It seems like drug companies are just trying to make more money these days.
3.7Patient Review
5/14/2018 While I haven't had any stones since starting this medication, I have felt very tired, my heartbeat has been irregular, and I've been dizzy. These effects are not pleasant, so I reduced my dosage from 3 pills per day to just 1. Unfortunately, the effects remain. Not sure what to do next.
3.7Patient Review
6/13/2013 The medication itself is fine, but the price increase is outrageous. I was paying $8 per month and now it's jumped to $120. There has to be a more affordable option out there for people like me.
3.7Patient Review
12/25/20103.3Patient Review
9/30/2018 I've only been on the medication for two days, but I am already experiencing extreme tingling and pain in my feet and hands. I'm hoping this will improve with time, as I don't want to deal with kidney stones.
3Patient Review
1/31/2013 I've had kidney stones for a while now, and I'm not sure how well this treatment is working. I sometimes see the casing in my stool, but I wonder if it is really effective.
2.7Patient Review
8/1/2012 I first took this medicine 40 years ago and thought it had disappeared from the chemist. Then I rediscovered it a couple of years ago and it is a life saver in emergencys.
2.3Patient Review
11/1/2015 My blood pressure has fallen so low that I have no energy. This happened over the course of 1 month, but less than 2 months. I am stopping this drug before it kills me.
2.3Patient Review
12/3/2016 I increased my dosage from one pill per day to six, and now I'm experiencing dry mouth and a general sense of malaise.
2.3Patient Review
3/25/2016 The stomach upset caused by this medication is really bad. I don't know if I can continue taking it.
1Patient Review
3/7/2011 This drug definitely helps to reduce the number of kidney stones I get; however, you have to be really careful about following the directions.
Patient Q&A Section about potassium citrate
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of taking potassium citrate?
"If you experience any of the following serious side effects while taking this medication, you should tell your doctor right away:
-Muscle cramps or weakness
-Severe dizziness
-Slow or irregular heartbeat
-Mental/mood changes (such as confusion or restlessness)
-Tingling of the hands or feet
-Unusually cold skin"
Answered by AI
Is potassium citrate good for health?
"Potassium citrate is a compound consisting of potassium and citric acid, often used as a food additive. Its health benefits include aiding heart and bone health, as well as helping with conditions like kidney stones."
Answered by AI
What is potassium citrate used for?
"Potassium citrate is used to treat a kidney stone condition called renal tubular acidosis. It is also used to prevent kidney stones from forming in people who have gout. Potassium citrate works by making urine more alkaline, which helps to prevent kidney stones from forming."
Answered by AI
Can I take potassium citrate every day?
"Adults should start by taking 15 to 30 milliequivalents (mEq) of the medication two times a day, or 10 to 20 mEq three times a day. The doctor may increase the dose as needed, but the dose usually should not exceed 100 mEq per day. Children's dosages must be determined by a doctor."
Answered by AI