What is Cytra-3: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cytra-3 overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Virtrate-K, Cytra-3, Oracit, Cytra-K, Urocit-K, Urocit-K 5, Virtrate-2, Urocit-K 10, Virtrate-3, Virtrate-K, Cytra-2

Generic Names:

  • Cytra-3

Uses:

  • Treats and prevents kidney stones by lowering the amount of acid in urine. May be used with other medicines to treat gout.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Acid-Base Disorder Agent, Urinary Stone Agent, Urinary Alkalinizer, Potassium Supplement, Antigout

Forms:

  • Long Acting Tablet, Powder, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cytra-3 used for?

Cytra-3 works by making the urine less acidic. Less acidic urine helps to prevent metabolic acidosis caused by kidney problems. It also helps to prevent gout and kidney stones.

What form(s) does Cytra-3 come in

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Powder

  • Liquid

What are common Cytra-3 doses?

  • Bottle 473ML of 550-500-334MG/5ML

How to take Cytra-3

  • Dilute the liquid medicine in a glass of water or juice before you drink it.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablet. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Let your doctor know if you have any trouble swallowing the tablet. Call your doctor right away if it feels like the tablet is stuck in your throat.

  • Oral routeCarefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

  • Take this medicine right after a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal or bedtime snack.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • Mix the powder (crystal) medicine with at least 6 ounces of cool water or juice. Stir the mixture well and drink right away.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablet. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Let your doctor know if you have any trouble swallowing the tablet. Call your doctor right away if it feels like the tablet is stuck in your throat.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Dilute the liquid medicine in a glass of water or juice before you drink it.

  • Take this medicine right after a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal or bedtime snack.

  • Oral routeCarefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

  • Mix the powder (crystal) medicine with at least 6 ounces of cool water or juice. Stir the mixture well and drink right away.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cytra-3

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, wait until your next meal or snack to take the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cytra-3 contraindications

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to potassium citrate, sodium citrate, or citric acid. You should not use this medicine if you have untreated Addison's disease, stomach ulcers, trouble urinating, or a urinary tract infection, or a blockage in your digestive system. You might not be able to use this medicine if you have diabetes, or problems with your kidneys. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have a history of heart problems, dehydration, or hyperkalemia.

Cytra-3 warnings

  • Irritability, muscle twitching, or muscle cramps.

  • Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a bladder obstruction, or if you cannot urinate properly. Your doctor will need to know if you have a history of high blood pressure, Toxemia of pregnancy, heart disease, or fluid retention (edema).

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.

Cytra-3 interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to lower your blood pressure. Some blood pressure medicines are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Zestoretic®, and Zestril®. Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene or Aldactone®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), antacids, or medicines that have potassium in it.

  • Ask your doctor before you use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Cytra-3 side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

  • Blood in your stools or urine.

  • Irritability, muscle twitching, or muscle cramps.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Upset stomach.