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Potassium Citrate

Pronounced

"poh-TASS-ee-um SYE-trate"

Common brand names:

Urocit-K

Uses

This medication is used to make the urine less acidic. This effect helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, thereby helping to prevent gout and kidney stones. This medication can also prevent and treat certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease.

Citric acid and citrate salts (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urinary alkalinizers. If you have a condition that requires you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, your doctor may direct you to take a product that is lower in potassium and sodium.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. This medication should be taken with meals or a bedtime snack.

Swallow this medication with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.

Your doctor may direct you to eat a low-salt (low-sodium) diet and drink lots of fluids. Follow your doctor's directions closely. Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

While taking this medication, you may need to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special paper. The pH will help determine the proper dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.