What is Citric acid and potassium citrate?
Citric acid and sodium citrate are a combination of medicines that help make your urine less alkaline. Citric acid and potassium citrate are used as urinary acidifiers to treat acidosis, prevent gout, or prevent kidney stones.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for potassium citrate and acidic acid.
Side effects of Citric acid and potassium citrate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Both citric acid and potassium chloride can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience severe stomach pain or swelling.
- Vomiting;
- Vomiting or coughing blood, or black or tarry stools;
- Alkalosis (when the body is too alkaline) --confusion, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling, tremors, muscle twitching, or spasm;
- High potassium level: nausea, weakness, tingly sensation, chest pain, irregular pulse, loss of mobility
Side effects of potassium citrate and citric acid include:
- Upset stomach;
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report side effects contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online form.
Warnings
Please read and heed all the directions printed on the label or package containing your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
If you are:
- Severe kidney disease
- Little to no urination
- Heart damage can be severe (such as an attack);
- Untreated Addison's disease
- Hyperkalemia is a condition where you have high potassium levels in your blood.
- A genetic condition that can cause episodes of severe muscular weakness.
- If you have severe dehydration or heat cramps,
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems High blood pressure
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Citric acid and potassium citrate?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Take this medicine before bed and after eating. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon) to measure liquid medicine.This medicine may cause irritation in your stomach, oesophagus, or intestines. Mix the powder or liquid form of this medication with water or juice to prevent irritation. The amount of juice or water you need depends on the dose and whether it is liquid or powder.Take this medication with plenty of fluids.It may be necessary to follow a specific diet. You should follow the instructions given by your doctor or dietitian. Learn which foods you should eat and avoid in order to control your condition.You'll need to have frequent blood and urine tests.Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from moisture, heat, and freezing.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. If your potassium level is too high, an overdose of potassium citrate and citric acid can be deadly.Overdose symptoms include nausea, weakness, or tingling.
What should be avoided?
Use only the antacids that your doctor has prescribed. Aluminium-containing antacids can cause serious interactions with this medication and have side effects.Do not use potassium supplements or sodium substitutes without consulting your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Digoxin, digitalis;
- A diuretic or "water pill"--amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, triamterene; or
- Heart or blood pressure medication—benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others.
This list is incomplete. Citric acid and potassium chloride may be affected by other drugs, including vitamins, herbal products, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medicines. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
