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Overview: Potassium citrate is used to treat certain types of kidney stones. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the urine, which makes it harder for kidney stones to form. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort. Serious side effects are rare but include damage to the intestines.

Uses

What is potassium citrate used for?

Potassium citrate is commonly used to treat certain types of kidney stones.

Potassium citrate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does potassium citrate work (mechanism of action)?

Kidney stones can have many different causes and may be made of various substances, such as calcium or uric acid. Potassium citrate works by reducing the amount of acid in the urine (pee), which helps to dissolve kidney stones and prevent new ones from forming.

How is potassium citrate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Urocit-K

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mEq extended-release oral tablets
  • 10 mEq extended-release oral tablets
  • 15 mEq extended-release oral tablets

How should I store potassium citrate?

Storage requirements for potassium citrate have not been provided with the product packaging. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. Store potassium citrate in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of potassium citrate?

The most common side effects of potassium citrate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of potassium citrate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of potassium citrate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of potassium citrate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Potassium citrate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking potassium citrate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia). Potassium citrate can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. This risk is higher in people who take certain other medicines or who have certain health problems. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels while you are taking potassium citrate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.

  • Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Intestine Bleeding or Narrowing. Potassium citrate can increase your risk of developing bleeding sores (ulcers) in your gut. It can also cause your gut to narrow, which increases the risk of a blockage. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers or take a type of medicine called an anticholinergic medicine. Stop taking potassium citrate and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Severe vomiting
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Stomach swelling or bloating

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use potassium citrate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take potassium citrate.

  • Potassium citrate
  • Urocit-K
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific potassium citrate products they stock.

High Potassium Levels. You should not take potassium citrate if you have high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) or a condition that increases your risk of high potassium levels. 

Kidney Problems. Potassium citrate should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Esophagus, Stomach, or Gut Problems. If you have a history of certain problems with your esophagus, stomach, or gut, you should not take potassium citrate. Some examples of these problems include ulcers, trouble swallowing food, slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), or a blocked intestine. 

Kidney or Bladder Infection. You should not take potassium citrate while you have an infection in your kidneys or bladder.

Drug Interactions. Potassium citrate should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking potassium citrate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about potassium citrate before using it?

Do not take potassium citrate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share potassium citrate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep potassium citrate out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush potassium citrate. This medicine should be taken while eating or within 30 minutes after eating. Let your healthcare provider know if you have trouble swallowing potassium citrate or if it feels like the medicine gets stuck in your throat. 

Your healthcare provider may ask you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle while you are taking this medicine. For example, most people who take potassium citrate should drink plenty of fluids each day and limit how much salt they eat. Make sure that you understand all diet and lifestyle recommendations from your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider may monitor your heart rhythm and check your blood levels while you are taking potassium citrate. Keep all appointments for blood work and other tests. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using potassium citrate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if potassium citrate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Dehydration
  • Diabetes
  • Esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems
  • Heart problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Reduced adrenal function (adrenal insufficiency)
  • Swallowing problems
  • Plans to start a new exercise program

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how potassium citrate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take potassium citrate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if potassium citrate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take potassium citrate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does potassium citrate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between potassium citrate and foods or drinks. Potassium citrate should be taken while eating or within 30 minutes after eating.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect potassium citrate.

Does potassium citrate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking potassium citrate.

  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Potassium chloride (Klor-Con and others) or potassium bicarbonate (Effer-K and others), which is a medicine used to raise potassium levels
  • A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with potassium citrate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much potassium citrate?

If you or someone else has used too much potassium citrate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of potassium citrate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.