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Urocit-K

Generic name: potassium citrate

Used for kidney stones
Last updated November 3, 2026 0 views
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What is Urocit-K?

Urocit-K is a mineral used to treat kidney stones.

Urocit-K may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I take Urocit-K?

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 Urocit-K. 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 Urocit-K.

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

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Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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Before taking this medicine

You should not use Urocit-K 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 Urocit-K 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.

Urocit-K is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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Urocit-K side effects

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

Urocit-K may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

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

Common side effects of Urocit-K may include:

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

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

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What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

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.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Urocit-K?

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 Urocit-K, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Frequently asked questions

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

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Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.