Side Effects of Potassium Citrate

Potassium citrate is a medication that's prescribed for the treatment of certain kidney disorders, such as the kidney stone condition renal tubular acidosis and gout. Potassium citrate is also administered to treat and avert low blood levels of potassium (a condition called hypokalemia) Potassium citrate can also be employed to increase the effectiveness of several antibiotics. It's a urinary pH modifier, which means it acts to makes the urine less acidic.

Features

• Potassium citrate is the generic name for Urocit-K and Twin-K (the brand names). When taking potassium citrate, patients may be required to have blood work done or have their heart tested via an electrocardiograph, or ECG. These tests help the physician to establish the duration of the potassium treatment. Potassium citrate is an effective medication and can cause a number of side effects. All side effects experienced should be reported to your practitioner.

Effects

• Side effects of potassium citrate include nausea, vomiting, tingling sensation in the hands and feet and occasional diarrhea. Many of these side effects decrease and can actually disappear after several days when the body gets used to the medication. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, breathing trouble, a change in your mental state (confusion, anxiety), numbness of the mouth, feet or hands, constant vomiting, stomach pain and/or muscle weakness.

Considerations

• Individuals who suffer from particular conditions or have medical issues with their intestines, stomach or esophagus should not take the medication. Prior to starting the medication it's critical to make your doctor aware of any drug allergies you have, or if you have (or have had) a heart attack, congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, chronic diarrhea or a blockage problem in your stomach or intestines. Special tests and dosage modifications may be implemented in the above cases, to ensure your well being while on the drug.

Warning

• Individuals taking potassium citrate should be aware of the possible drug interactions it can have with both prescription medications and over the counter remedies. Drugs such as Inspra, Lanoxin, Atacand, Diovan, Micardis, Robinul, Quinidex, Cantil, Atrovent, Spiriva and Bentyl can adversely react with potassium citrate. Even vitamin supplements, aspirin, water pills and steroids may interact with the medication. Please note that the above is just a partial list; you can view a more comprehensive one by visiting the Healthline website for this medication (see Resources below). Your doctor and pharmacist can also advise you of additional interactions.

Significance

• You should never stop this medication or alter the dosage in any way without consulting your doctor. Potassium citrate should be taken precisely as prescribed by your practitioner and the directions on the prescription's label should be followed. The tablet should not be chewed or directly swallowed as a whole. It's to be dissolved into the liquid (water, juice) and drunk slowly. It should be taken right after a meal or with the meal itself (depending on your directions).