Potassium Citrate Extended-Release Tablets

What are potassium citrate extended-release tablets?

POTASSIUM CITRATE (Urocit®-K) is a medicine used to make the urine more alkaline (less acidic). This helps prevent the formation of certain kinds of kidney stones. In some cases, your health care professional may prescribe this medicine to balance the level of potassium in your body (when the potassium level is low). This medicine contains potassium, which is a naturally occurring salt that is important for the normal functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Generic potassium citrate extended-release tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Potassium Citrate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• diarrhea

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• stomach ulcers or other stomach or esophagus problems

• swallowing problems

• urinary tract infection

• an unusual reaction to Potassium Citrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take potassium citrate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water or juice. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Take tablets in an upright or sitting position. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. Take this medicine with meals or a snack. In general, do not take this medicine with tomato juice. Tomato juice contains a high amount of sodium/salt that may not be beneficial to your medication regimen or health conditions. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can with food or liquids. If it is more than 2 hours since your missed dose, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Potassium Citrate?

• ammonium chloride

• amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or similar drugs

• antacids (especially those containing aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate)

• aspirin or aspirin-like drugs used for pain relief (salicylates)

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

• beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin

• cisplatin

• digoxin

• ephedrine

• flecainide

• heparin

• lithium

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

• methenamine

• penicillin G

• pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine

• quinidine

• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Potassium Citrate?

Make sure to see your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your health condition.

Potassium Citrate contains potassium. Your health care provider may monitor the level of potassium in your blood to make sure the level is not too high or too low. Too much potassium can be as dangerous as too little potassium. Potassium is a normal part of a regular diet and is found in beef, veal, ham, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, milk, bananas, dates, prunes, raisins, avocado, watermelon, molasses, beans, yams, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lentils, potatoes, and spinach. Salt substitutes and 'low-salt' milks also contain large amounts of potassium. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you need to change your diet or avoid salt-substitutes.

Ask your health care provider about your fluid intake. If you are taking this medicine for kidney stones, it is suggested to drink plenty of water each day.

Contact your health care professional if you have trouble swallowing potassium citrate tablets, or if the tablets seem to stick in your throat.

If you notice tarry stools or signs of stomach bleeding, contact your health care provider right away.

The shell of extended-release tablets (such as Urocit®-K) may appear intact in the stool; this is not cause for concern. The tablet will have released the medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Potassium Citrate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• black, tarry stools

• blood in the stools

• confusion

• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells

• irregular heartbeat

• muscle weakness

• numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• pain on swallowing

• severe vomiting

• stomach pain or bloating

• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• indigestion

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.