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Definition of Urinary PH Modifiers

If your doctor has prescribed a urinary pH modifier, she is worried about your kidneys. A urinary pH modifier is a medication designed to increase pH in the urine--to make it more alkaline--in order to help the kidneys break down toxic substances, or to prevent certain types of kidney stones.

  1. Urocit-K

    • Urocit-K (potassium citrate) increases the pH in your urine to make it alkaline and prevent it from forming kidney stones. "Potassium citrate works by restoring naturally occurring chemicals in the urine that stop crystals from forming and also inhibits the formation of the [two] most common types of kidney stones, calcium oxalate and uric acid stones," according to the manufacturer, Mission Pharmacal. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood while you are on this medication.

    Sodium Bicarbonate

    • Also known as baking soda, medical grade sodium bicarbonate comes as an oral tablet or powder to dissolve in water. It is an antacid doctors prescribe for heartburn and acid indigestion, but it also works to reduce acidity in urine, thus encouraging the kidneys to eliminate certain toxic substances, which may include some medications. Use sodium bicarbonate only as directed; taking more of it or taking it more often will not improve your symptoms any faster and could worsen your condition. Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications and supplements you take, as sodium bicarbonate may interact with other antacids, aspirin or aspirin-like medicines, benzodiazepines, flecainide (Tambocor), iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), methenamine (Hiprex, Urex), methotrexate, quinidine, sulfa-containing antibiotics, tetracycline (Sumycin), or vitamins, according to PubMed Health.

    Phosphorus Salts

    • Phosphorus salts--potassium phosphate--reduces acid in urine and is therefore prescribed to treat certain types of kidney stones. It is also prescribed to improve the effectiveness of some antibiotic medications in the treatment of urinary tract infections. It is a tablet dissolved in water and consumed. Do not take phosphorus salts with sevelamer. According to Healthline.com, "This medicine may also interact with the following medications: antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium; aspirin and aspirin-like medicines; cyclosporine; diuretics; eplerenone; medicines for blood pressure like captopril, enalapril, lisinopril; potassium supplements, salt substitutes, or low-salt milk; vitamin D supplements."

    Allergies and Side Effects

    • All urinary pH modifiers have side effects, most commonly diarrhea, upset stomach or gas. Serious side effects they all share include black, tarry stools; breathing problems; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe stomach pain; tingling of hands or feet; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; and weakness. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms develop. Seek emergency help immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction--shortness or breath, hives or itching, swelling of the face, hands, lips, tongue or throat.

    Other Considerations

    • If you know that you have high levels of potassium, phosphate or calcium in your blood, or if you have aluminum toxicity, you must share this information with your doctor because it will affect her choice of which urinary pH modifier to prescribe. Also, if you are on a low-sodium diet, your doctor will need to know this because some urinary pH modifiers affect your blood sodium level.

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