Tricitrates

Tricitrates is a combination medicine that helps reduce the acidity of your urine. It is sometimes referred to as a urinary alkalizer and is used to treat acidosis or to help prevent gout or kidney stones.

Tricitrates 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.

This medicine is usually taken after meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Mix the medicine with at least 4 ounces of water or juice. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

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

You will need frequent blood and urine tests.

Store in a tightly-closed container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and freezing.

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 this medicine if you have:

• severe kidney disease;
• decreased urination;
• severe heart damage (such as from a prior heart attack);
• untreated Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder); or
• if you are on a low-salt diet or a low-potassium diet.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney problems;
• heart problems, high blood pressure;
• toxemia of pregnancy;
• swelling in your hands or feet, or in your lungs (pulmonary edema); or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or calcium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Tricitrates may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• swelling or severe pain in your stomach;
• vomiting;
• black or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
• high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingling feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects of Tricitrates may include:

• nausea, vomiting; or
• diarrhea.

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

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next 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.

Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, unusual thoughts, or a seizure.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Antacids that contain aluminum can interact with this medicine and cause serious side effects.

Avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes without your doctor's advice.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;
• a diuretic or "water pill" -- amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, triamterene; or
• heart or blood pressure medication -- benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others.

This list does not include everything. Other drugs may affect Tricitrates, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.