Briefing of Potassium Citrate-Citric Acid

This medication is used to lower the acidity of your urine.This action helps the kidneys excrete uric acid, which helps prevent gout and kidney stones.This medication also prevents and treats certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease.Citric acid and citrates (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urine alkalizers.If you have a medical condition that requires potassium and sodium restriction,your doctor may direct you to take products that are lower in potassium and sodium.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily after meals and at bedtime.To help prevent diarrhea, take each dose with a meal. To prevent stomach upset/injury, mix the prescribed dose of this medicine with cold water or fruit juice as directed. Drink the entire mixture slowly.If you still have stomach upset, it may be helpful to mix your dose with plenty of liquid unless your doctor directs you otherwise..The liquid form of this medication must be mixed with at least 4-8 ounces (120-240 ml) of water before taking it. Shake the bottle well before each dose and measure the dose carefully using the special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the powder/crystal form of this medication, mix the contents of the pack with at least 3/4 cup (6 oz or 180 ml) of cold water or juice before taking.Chilling the mixture before serving improves the taste. Drink plenty of 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 it 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 time each day.You may need to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special dipsticks while you are taking this medication. The pH will help determine the proper dosage. 

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur.Mix the medicine with water or juice and take it with a meal.Drinking plenty of water can help prevent these side effects.If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.Remember, this medicine was prescribed because your doctor thought the benefits to you outweighed the risk of side effects.Many people who use this drug do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain,tingling/numbness in hands/feet, weakness.Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, irritability), muscle cramps, seizures, bloody/black/tarry stools,The vomit 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.

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 that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.Ask your pharmacist for more details.You should not use this medication if you have certain medical conditions.Before using this medicine,consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: low adrenal glands (Addison's disease), serious heart disease (such as recent heart attack, heart injury), serious kidney disease (such as voiding), potassium-restricted diet, high potassium levels, dehydration.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low calcium levels, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney disease, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome).The liquid form 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.

Interactions

The effects of some medicines may change if you take other medicines or herbal products at the same time.This can increase your risk of serious side effects, or it may cause your medicines to not work as well as they should.These drug interactions are possible but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can usually prevent or manage interactions by changing the way you take your medicines or by monitoring them closely.To help your doctor and pharmacist provide you with the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: antacids that contain aluminum, aspirin and other salicylates (such as disalicylate), certain blood pressure medicines (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 diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene).If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 mg per day), you should continue to take it unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.