Description
Generic
Indications
Calcium Stones and Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA): The use of potassium citrate to treat renal tubular acidosis is recommended.
Any etiology of hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: Hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis can be treated with potassium citrate.
Pharmacology
When potassium citrate is taken orally, the absorbed citrate is converted into an alkaline load. By increasing citrate clearance without affecting ultrafilterable serum citrate, the induced alkaline load raises urinary pH and raises urinary citrate. As a result, potassium citrate therapy appears to increase urinary citrate primarily by altering citrate handling in the kidneys.
Dosage & Administration
Patients with cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis should have their serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide), serum creatinine, and complete blood counts checked every four months, and more frequently if they have cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis. Electrocardiograms should be done on a regular basis. If hyperkalemia, a significant rise in serum creatinine, or a significant drop in blood hemocrit occur, treatment should be stopped.
Interaction
A further rise in serum potassium concentration may cause cardiac arrest in patients with hyperkalemia (or who have conditions that predispose them to hyperkalemia). Chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, and extensive tissue breakdown are examples of such conditions.
Contraindications
In patients who have a urinary tract infection that is active (with either urea-splitting or other organisms, in association with either calcium or struvite stones). The ability of potassium citrate to raise urinary citrate levels may be hampered by bacterial citrate enzymatic degradation. Furthermore, the increase in urinary pH caused by Potassium Citrate therapy may encourage bacterial growth.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are all possible side effects. These side effects can be avoided by taking it after meals. It’s possible that you’ll pass an empty tablet shell in your stool. Because your body has already absorbed the medication, this is completely safe.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted in Category C. It’s also unclear whether Potassium Citrate can harm a fetus or affect reproduction capacity when given to a pregnant woman. Only give potassium citrate to a pregnant woman if it is clearly needed.
Precautions & Warnings
If the patient has Addison’s disease, a current bladder infection, uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease (e.g., recent heart attack, heart damage), certain stomach/intestinal problems (diabetic gastroparesis, conditions decreasing gut movement, peptic ulcer, blockage), severe kidney disease (e.g., inability to make urine), or a potassium-restricted diet, this medication should not be used.
Therapeutic Class
Preventing the formation of kidney stones on a regular basis
Storage Conditions
Keep the temperature below 30°C and away from light and moisture. Keep out of children’s reach.
