Urinary alkalinizer (By mouth)

Introduction

Treats and prevents kidney stones by lowering the amount of acid in urine. May be used with other medicines to treat gout.

Brand Name(s)

Urocit-K 5, Urocit-K 10, Cytra-2, Cytra-K, Cytra-K Crystals, Urocit-K, Oracit, Citra pH, Cytra-3

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to potassium citrate, sodium citrate, or citric acid. You should not use this medicine if you have untreated Addison's disease, stomach ulcers, trouble urinating, or a urinary tract infection, or a blockage in your digestive system. You might not be able to use this medicine if you have diabetes, or problems with your kidneys. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have a history of heart problems, dehydration, or hyperkalemia.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Powder, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine right after a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal or bedtime snack.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablet. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Let your doctor know if you have any trouble swallowing the tablet. Call your doctor right away if it feels like the tablet is stuck in your throat.
• Dilute the liquid medicine in a glass of water or juice before you drink it.
• Mix the powder (crystal) medicine with at least 6 ounces of cool water or juice. Stir the mixture well and drink right away.
• Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, wait until your next meal or snack to take the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The liquid medicine may be kept in the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to lower your blood pressure. Some blood pressure medicines are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Zestoretic®, and Zestril®. Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene or Aldactone®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), antacids, or medicines that have potassium in it.
• Ask your doctor before you use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a bladder obstruction, or if you cannot urinate properly. Your doctor will need to know if you have a history of high blood pressure, Toxemia of pregnancy, heart disease, or fluid retention (edema).
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in your stools or urine.
• Bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Irritability, muscle twitching, or muscle cramps.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Upset stomach.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088