Potassium citrate is a prescription drug used to treat kidney stones. Both the potassium and the citrate in the drug produce urine that makes it harder for calcium or uric acid crystals to form and grow. Doses are taken two to three times daily with food. People on potassium citrate will need to simultaneously lower their salt intake and increase their fluid intake.
Check our best Potassium Citrate ER prices
Potassium Citrate ER overview
BRAND NAMES:
Urocit-K
Generic Names:
Potassium citrate
Uses:
Treats kidney stones by lowering the amount of acid in urine and restoring normal urinary citrate levels.
Therapeutic Classes:
Urinary alkalizer
Forms:
Extended-release tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Potassium Citrate ER used for?
Potassium citrate ER is used along with a low-salt intake and high fluid intake to restore the normal levels of urinary citrate and reduce urinary acid in people with kidney stones. Both low urinary citrate (hypocitraturia) and urinary acidity contribute to the formation of certain types of calcium or uric acid stones.
What form(s) does Potassium Citrate ER come in
Extended-release tablet
5 milliequivalents (540 mg)
10 mEq (1080 mg)
15 mEq (1620 mg)
What are common Potassium Citrate ER doses?
For kidney stones:
Due to renal tubular acidosis: 60–80 mEq daily taken in three to four divided doses
Due to severe low citrate levels: 60 mEq daily taken in two to three divided doses
Due to mild to moderate low citrate levels: 30 mEq daily taken in two to three divided doses
Common Potassium Citrate ER prescriptions
Potassium Citrate ER
100 tablets extended release bottlePotassium Citrate ER
10 meq(1080 mg) tablet extended releasePotassium Citrate ER
15 meq(1620 mg) tablet extended releasePotassium Citrate ER
5 meq(540 mg) tablet extended release
How to take Potassium Citrate ER
Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine with a meal or bedtime snack, or within 30 minutes after a meal.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
All patients will be put on a low-salt diet and asked to drink extra fluids throughout the day.
Some patients may be asked to reduce calcium intake.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablet.
Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet, or if the tablet seems to stick or gets stuck in your throat.
Store the tablets in a closed container at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Potassium Citrate ER
Ask the prescriber what to do in case a dose is missed.
If a missed dose is taken, take the dose with food or after a meal
Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Potassium Citrate ER contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to potassium citrate or have:
High potassium
Chronic kidney failure
Uncontrolled diabetes
Underactive adrenal gland
Any other condition that can cause high potassium levels
Delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis
Esophageal compression
Intestinal blockage
Any other condition that slows down gastrointestinal passage
Peptic ulcer disease
An active urinary tract infection
Renal insufficiency
Do take a dose of potassium citrate ER after strenuous physical activity (if you’re not in condition) or if you are experiencing extensive tissue breakdown (such as after an injury or surgery).
Potassium Citrate ER warnings
Potassium citrate treatment requires regular doctor’s visits, blood tests, urine tests, and electrocardiograms. Keep all appointments.
Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
High potassium
Uncontrolled diabetes
An underactive adrenal gland
Any type of gastrointestinal blockage or stricture
Delayed stomach emptying
Stomach ulcers
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Potassium citrate can cause potentially fatal cases of high potassium, a condition that can cause a heart attack.
Potassium citrate can cause bleeding or injury to the digestive system. Immediately tell the prescriber if you have any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as pain black and tarry stools, or blood in the stools.
Some people may notice tablet shells in their stools. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Tell all doctors and other healthcare providers who treat you that you are using this medicine.
Potassium Citrate ER interactions
To avoid potential drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all medications and supplements that you are taking, particularly:
Diuretics, especially potassium-sparing diuretics
Potassium supplements
Potassium-containing drugs
Drugs that slow down the digestive system including narcotic pain relievers and anticholinergic medications
Blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
Limit how much salt (sodium) you eat and drink. Do not add salt to your food.
Some people may need to limit their calcium intake.
Tell all other doctors and healthcare practitioners about potassium citrate treatment before they prescribe new medications.
Potassium Citrate ER side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Severe vomiting, stomach pain, bloody or black, tarry stools
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Fast or uneven heartbeat
Allergic reaction: Itching, rash, hives, swelling in the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhea
Loose bowel movements
Nausea
Vomiting
Sources:
Urocit-K potassium citrate extended-release tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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