Citric Acid; Potassium Citrate Oral Solution

What is Citric Acid; Potassium Citrate Oral Solution?

CITRIC ACID; POTASSIUM CITRATE (Polycitra®-K) is a medicine used to make the urine more alkaline (less acidic). This helps prevent the formation of certain kinds of kidney stones. Citric acid; potassium citrate may also be used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition which may occur in some people with kidney problems. 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 citric acid; potassium citrate oral solution is available.

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

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

• dehydration

• diarrhea

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• urinary tract infection

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take citric acid; potassium citrate oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The packet containing crystals must first be mixed with 6 ounces of cool water or juice before swallowing. For oral solution products, dilute the solution further with water or fruit juice before swallowing. After swallowing the liquid dose, follow with additional water or juice, if desired. Chill the solution before use to enhance the taste of the medicine, but do not freeze it. Take this medicine after a meal or a snack. 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. Do not take the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. 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 Citric Acid; 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 Citric Acid; Potassium Citrate?

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

This medication 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 milk products 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Citric Acid; Potassium Citrate?

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

• confusion

• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells

• irregular heartbeat

• muscle weakness

• numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• severe vomiting

• 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

• nausea or stomach upset

Where can I keep my medicine?

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

Store at controlled room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from excessive heat. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.