What is Potassium Citrate ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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.

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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 bottle

  • Potassium Citrate ER
    10 meq(1080 mg) tablet extended release

  • Potassium Citrate ER
    15 meq(1620 mg) tablet extended release

  • Potassium 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:

Potassium Citrate ER News & Research

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