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Potassium Citrate

Description

Potassium citrate is the generic drug name and it is sold in brands like Urocit-K. Potassium is essential for several body functions. This drug is used to treat kidney stone conditions and for other purposes too as desired by your doctor. This drug is available as an extended release tablet which means the ingredient in the drug is released slowly upon swallowing. Urocit-K is available in strengths of 5 mEq, 10 mEq, and 15 mEq.

Recommendations

It is necessary that you take this medication along with your food or within half an hour after taking your meals. Do not lie down within the 30 minutes of taking this drug. Your doctor might take an ECG to check your heart's activity upon taking this medication. Potassium in blood might also be monitored to make sure that the drug is working as desired for your body condition. It is necessary that you reveal the other medications you take for other conditions as there might be a necessity to adjust the dosage of potassium citrate accordingly. You should not crush or chew or break the potassium citrate tablet as the drug will be released immediately. If you are taking liquid medication it is necessary that you take it slowly for the next 10 minutes. Stick to the diet recommended by your nutritionist or doctor when you are taking Potassium citrate.

Precautions

People with conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney failure, Addison’s disease, diabetes, severe dehydration, peptic ulcer and hyperkalemia should not use Potassium citrate. Serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling in hands might occur in some patients. If you are regularly taking Potassium citrate, do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor. Women who are pregnant should inform their doctor before taking this medication as it might affect their baby. Even if you are breast feeding your baby it is necessary to consult your doctor before taking Potassium citrate.