Potassium Citrate/Citric acid

Potassium citrate/citric acid is a combination medication used to make the urine less acidic which 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.

• Potassium citrate/citric acid is available under the following different brand names: Cytra-K

Adult and pediatric dosage

Oral solution

• (1100mg/334mg)/5mL
• Contains 2 mEq/mL potassium ion equivalent to 2 mEq/mL bicarbonate (HCO3)
• Urinary Alkalinization
• Adult dosage
• Usual dose: 15-30 mL orally diluted with 1 glass of water four times a day (after meals and at bedtime)

Pediatric dosage

• Usual dose: 5-15 mL orally diluted with one-half glass of water four times a day (after meals and at bedtime)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Potassium citrate/Citric acid include:

• nausea, 
• vomiting, 
• diarrhea, and 
• stomach pain.

Serious side effects of Potassium citrate/Citric acid include:

• severe stomach/abdominal pain,
• tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, 
• weakness,
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, 
• mental/mood changes such as confusion, restlessness, 
• muscle spasms, 
• hyperkalemia,
• alkalosis,
• seizures, 
• bloody/black/tarry stools, and
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Rare side effects of Potassium citrate/Citric acid include:

• none 

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Potassium citrate/Citric acid has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Potassium citrate/Citric acid has serious interactions with the following drug:
  • dextroamphetamine transdermal
• Potassium citrate/Citric acid has moderate interactions with at least 38 other drugs.
• Potassium citrate/Citric acid has minor interactions with no other drugs. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Severe renal impairment with oliguria or azotemia
• Untreated Addison's disease
• Adynamia episodica hereditaria
• Acute dehydration
• Heat cramps
• Anuria
• Severe myocardial damage
• Hyperkalemia from any cause
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Potassium Citrate/Citric acid?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Potassium Citrate/Citric acid?”

Cautions

• Small bowel lesions (eg, stenosis with or without ulceration) were reported with potassium salts (mostly from enteric-coated products)
• Large doses may cause hyperkalemia and alkalosis, especially in presence of renal disease
• Caution with low urinary output
• Direct patients to dilute solution with water before ingestion to minimize GI injury associated with concentrated potassium preparations
• Take after meals to avoid the saline laxative effect

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.

Lactation

• Unknown whether distributed in breast milk