Potassium citrate is used to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Take Potassium citrate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or within 30 minutes after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet or if the tablet seems to stick in your throat, inform your doctor.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Potassium citrate may be used for a specific condition.
Potassium citrate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels in the blood)
- uncontrolled diabetes
- excessive water loss from the body
- adrenal gland disease
- stomach disease or problems e.g. peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe), blocked bowel, problem in emptying the contents of the stomach
- active infection in the urinary tract e.g. bladder, ureters
- severe kidney disease
as Potassium citrate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Potassium citrate with medicines for water retention, such as triamterene, amiloride, and spironolactone.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You may see a small tablet-shaped casing in your bowel. This is normal, do not be alarmed. This casing is just an empty shell; the medicine inside it has already been absorbed by your body.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart], complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
Potassium citrate may cause any of the following side effects: abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Potassium citrate with certain medicines for water retention called potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene, amiloride, and spironolactone.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. enalapril, losartan, aliskiren
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Potassium citrate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Avoid taking too much food that is high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, or prunes.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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