Prescription Required
Description
Urocit-K is an oral pill made up of a urinary pH modifier mineral called potassium cirate. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 5meq (540mg) and 10meq (1080mg)!
Urocit-K is prescribed to lower the uric acid levels in the urine and is commonly used for two reasons. One reason a person may need to lower their uric acid levels is to help prevent gout and kidney stones. Gout is caused by a buildup of this uric acid and if left untreated, can lead to kidney stones, which is the same urate crystals that cause the gout pain, only now located and causing pain in the kidneys.
Secondly, Urocit-K may be prescribed to prevent and treat certain metabolic problems, called acidosis, caused by kidney disease. This disease is also caused by a build-up of uric acid, and may cause an increased rate and depth of breathing, confusion, and headaches, and it can lead to seizures, coma, and in some cases death.
Urocit-K (potassium citrate) is effective at treating these conditions because its ability to crystallize calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid (stone-forming salts) within the bladder, which increases the urinary pH and urine citrate levels, resulting in reduced acidic acid in the bladder.
Directions
Only take this medication the way your doctor has directed you too. Avoid taking larger or smaller doses than directed. If you can’t remember how your doctor wanted you take Urocit-K, the directions should be on your prescription label.
Swallow this medication whole, avoid chewing, crushing, or breaking this tablet.
For best results; take this medication with a meal. Alternatively, you may also take it 30 minutes within a meal.
If your doctor has also prescribed you a diet to follow as part of treatment, ensure you are also following those directions carefully to make sure this drug is as effective as it can.
You may need to get regular checkups to ensure this medication is working properly. Do not miss any scheduled appointments with your doctor while being treated with Urocit-K.
You may make your condition worse if you suddenly stop taking this medication. Consult your doctor before stopping this medication if you feel you no longer need it.
Keep this medication inside a tightly closed container in a room temperature area away from children and pets, and moisture and heat.
Cautions
Do not use Urocit-K (potassium citrate)
This medication should not be used by those who are allergic to potassium cirate or those with certain conditions. If you have any of the following conditions, you should avoid this medication unless your doctor says otherwise; high levels of potassium in your blood, kidney failure, a urinary tract infection, untreated or uncontrolled diabetes, Addison’s disease, a large tissue injury such as a severe burn, a peptic ulcer in your stomach, if you are severely dehydrated, or if you are taking a “potassium-sparing” diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide). If you find pills are hard to swallow, you may also want to avoid this medication.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Before using this medication, make sure you tell your doctor if you have any drug allergies or if you have kidney disease, congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, or history of heart attack, other heart disease or high blood pressure, diabetes, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or chronic diarrhea.
Risks
This medication has potential to be harmful to unborn babies. Do not use this medication while pregnant unless you have consulted your doctor about the risks and benefits.
It has not been established whether this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. Avoid breast feeding while using this medication until you have consulted your doctor about risks and benefits.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Urocit-K (potassium citrate) may include:
mild nausea or upset stomach; mild or occasional diarrhea; or appearance of a Urocit-K tablet in your stool.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Urocit-K (potassium citrate) may include:
confusion, anxiety, feeling like you might pass out; uneven heartbeat; extreme thirst, increased urination; leg discomfort; muscle weakness or limp feeling; numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, or around your mouth; severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea or vomiting; black, bloody, or tarry stools; or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
FAQs
What are the signs of an overdose?
Signs of overdose may include heavy feeling in your arms or legs, muscle weakness, limp feeling, slow or uneven heartbeat, chest pain, or feeling like you might pass out.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you next dose is already soon, skip the miss dose. Do not take extra medication at the next dose to make up for the missed dose.
What should I avoid while using Urocit-K?
Avoid lying down within 30 minutes of taking this medication and avoid taking potassium supplements or using other products that may contain high potassium levels while taking this medication.
Does this medication have any drug interactions?
Yes. This medication has a long list of drug interactions. Some drugs that interact with this medication include any type of diuretic, ACE inhibitors, irritable bowel medications, bladder or urinary medications, bronchodilators and others.
This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with potassium citrate (Urocit-K). Consult your doctor to inquire more about which drugs interact with this one.
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