Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
potassium citrate/citric acid
oral solution
- (1100mg/334mg)/5mL
- Contains 2 mEq/mL potassium ion equivalent to 2 mEq/mL bicarbonate (HCO3)
Urinary Alkalinization
Indicated for long-term maintenance of an alkaline urine (eg, patients with uric acid and cystine calculi of the urinary tract), especially when the administration of sodium salts is undesirable or contraindicated
Usual dose: 15-30 mL PO diluted with 1 glass of water QID (after meals and at bedtime)
Administration
Dilute oral solution in water according to directions, followed by additional water, if desired
Proper dilution may help prevent gastrointestinal injury associated with the oral ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations
Palatability enhanced if chilled
Dosage Forms & Strengths
potassium citrate/citric acid
oral solution
- (1100mg/334mg)/5mL
- Contains 2 mEq/mL potassium ion equivalent to 2 mEq/mL bicarbonate (HCO3)
Urinary Alkalinization
Indicated for long-term maintenance of an alkaline urine (eg, patients with uric acid and cystine calculi of the urinary tract), especially when the administration of sodium salts is undesirable or contraindicated
Usual dose: 5-15 mL PO diluted with one-half glass of water QID (after meals and at bedtime)
Administration
Dilute oral solution in water according to directions, followed by additional water, if desired
Proper dilution may help prevent gastrointestinal injury associated with the oral ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations
Palatability enhanced if chilled
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (1)
- dextroamphetamine transdermal
potassium citrate/citric acid will increase the level or effect of dextroamphetamine transdermal by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Urinary alkalinizing agents can increase blood levels and potentiate the action of amphetamine.
Monitor Closely (38)
- aliskiren
aliskiren and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amiloride
amiloride and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- azilsartan
azilsartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- benazepril
benazepril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of hyperkalemia.
- canagliflozin
canagliflozin and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- candesartan
candesartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- captopril
captopril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of hyperkalemia. Monitor potassium.
- cyclosporine
cyclosporine and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- drospirenone
drospirenone and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- enalapril
enalapril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- eplerenone
eplerenone and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- eprosartan
eprosartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- finerenone
potassium citrate/citric acid and finerenone both increase serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Finerenone dose adjustment based on current serum potassium concentration. Monitor serum potassium and adjust finerenone dose as described in the prescribing information as necessary.
- fosinopril
fosinopril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- heparin
heparin and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- irbesartan
irbesartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- lisinopril
lisinopril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- losartan
losartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- moexipril
moexipril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- olmesartan
olmesartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- pentamidine
pentamidine and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- perindopril
perindopril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- potassium acid phosphate
potassium acid phosphate and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- potassium chloride
potassium chloride and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- potassium citrate
potassium citrate and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- potassium phosphates, IV
potassium phosphates, IV and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quinapril
quinapril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ramipril
ramipril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sacubitril/valsartan
sacubitril/valsartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- spironolactone
spironolactone and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- succinylcholine
succinylcholine and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tacrolimus
tacrolimus and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- telmisartan
telmisartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- trandolapril
trandolapril and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- triamterene
triamterene and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trimethoprim
trimethoprim and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- valsartan
valsartan and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- voclosporin
voclosporin and potassium citrate/citric acid both increase serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Hyperkalemia
Alkalosis
Warnings
Contraindications
Severe renal impairment with oliguria or azotemia
Untreated Addison's disease
Adynamia episodica hereditaria
Acute dehydration
Heat cramps
Anuria
Severe myocardial damage
Hyperkalemia from any cause
Hypersensitivity to any ingredient
Cautions
Small bowel lesions (eg, stenosis with or without ulceration) reported with potassium salts (mostly from enteric-coated products)
Large doses may cause hyperkalemia and alkalosis, especially in presence of renal disease
Caution with low urinary output
Direct patients to dilute solution with water before ingestion to minimize GI injury associated with concentrated potassium preparations
Take after meals to avoid saline laxative effect
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Potassium citrate is absorbed and metabolized to potassium bicarbonate and this acts as a systemic alkalizer
Elimination
Excretion: Oxidation of potassium citrate is virtually complete so <5% is excreted in the urine unchanged
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| potassium citrate-citric acid oral - | 1,100-334 mg/5 mL solution |  | |
| potassium citrate-citric acid oral - | 1,100-334 mg/5 mL solution |  | |
| Cytra-K oral - | 1,100-334 mg/5 mL solution |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
potassium citrate-citric acid oral
POTASSIUM CITRATE/CITRIC ACID - ORAL
(poe-TAS-ee-um SI-trate/SIT-rik AS-id)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Polycitra-K
USES: This medication is used to make the urine less acidic. This effect helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, thereby helping to prevent gout and kidney stones. This medication can also prevent and treat certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease.Citric acid and citrate salts (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urinary alkalinizers. If you have a condition that requires you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, your doctor may direct you to take a product that is lower in potassium and sodium.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime. To help prevent diarrhea, take each dose after a meal. To prevent stomach upset/injury, mix your prescribed dose of medication in cold water or juice as directed. Drink the entire mixture slowly. If you still have stomach upset, mixing your dose in a larger amount of liquid may help unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions.The liquid form of this medication must be mixed with at least 4 - 8 ounces (120 - 240 milliliters) of water before taking. Shake the bottle well before each dose and carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the powdered/crystal form of this medication, mix the contents of the packet in at least 3/4 cup (6 ounces or 180 milliliters) of cool water or juice before taking.Refrigerating the mixture before drinking may improve the taste. Drink more water or juice after taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.While taking this medication, you may need to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special paper. The pH will help determine the proper dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur. Mixing the medication with water or juice, taking it after meals, and drinking more fluids will help prevent these side effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain, tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, restlessness), muscle spasms, seizures, bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: underactive adrenal gland (Addison's disease), heart disease (such as recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney disease, potassium-restricted diet, high potassium levels, dehydration, low calcium levels, stomach/gut problems (such as peptic ulcers, irritable bowel).Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug are: antacids that contain aluminum, aspirin and other salicylates (such as salsalate), certain blood pressure medications (including ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, angiotensin blockers such as losartan), drospirenone, eplerenone, certain heart medications (such as quinidine, digoxin), lithium, potassium supplements, certain "water pills" (potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene).If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow heartbeat, muscle spasms, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as potassium levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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