Potassium citrate

Potassium citrate is a mineral that is used to treat kidney stones.

Potassium citrate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with a meal or bedtime snack, or within 30 minutes after a meal.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or suck on it.

The tablet may irritate your mouth or throat. Tell your doctor if it feels like the tablet gets stuck in your throat when you swallow it.

You may need to follow a special diet while using potassium citrate. Follow all instructions from your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.

You will need frequent urine and blood tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Limit your salt intake and drink plenty of fluids while taking potassium citrate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use potassium citrate if you have:

• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
• kidney failure;
• a bladder or kidney infection;
• untreated or uncontrolled diabetes;
• an adrenal gland disorder;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• problems with your esophagus, stomach, or intestines that affect swallowing or digestion;
• a peptic ulcer in your stomach;
• wasting syndrome;
• a large tissue injury (such as a severe burn);
• if you are dehydrated or malnourished; or
• if you take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney problems other than kidney stones;
• too much acid in your body (acidosis);
• a stomach ulcer;
• heart problems; or
• chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

It is not known whether potassium citrate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Potassium citrate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Potassium citrate can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe vomiting or stomach pain;
• high blood potassium--symptoms include nausea, weakness, a tingling sensation, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or loss of movement; or
• signs of stomach bleeding--such as bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of potassium citrate may include:

• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting; or
• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid strenuous exercise if you are not in proper condition for it.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;
• bronchodilator asthma medication;
• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;
• medicine to treat overactive bladder;
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or
• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect potassium citrate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

• Potassium Citrate vs. Gluconate: What’s the difference?