What is Cytra-K?
Cytra-K is a combination medication that can help make your urine less acidic. Sometimes referred to as a urinary acidifier Cytra-K can be employed to help treat acidosis or to help prevent the development of gout or kidney stones.
Cytra-K can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Cytra-K
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Cytra-k may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- An increase in swelling or pain in your stomach;
- Vomiting;
- Black or tarry stool that coughs up blood or vomit that appears to be coffee grounds
- Alkalosis (when the body is too alkaline) --confusion, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling, tremors, muscle twitching, or spasm; or
- Increased potassium level, causing nausea and weakness. It can also cause tingling sensations, chest discomfort, irregular heartbeats, and decreased movement.
Common negative side effects of cytrak can include:
- Upset stomach; or
- Diarrhea.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid/sodium citrate, Mag-Ox 400, Cytra-3, and MagGel
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the medicine label and on the label of your package. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as the medicines you are taking.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to use cytra-k. If you suffer from:
- Serious kidney diseases;
- Very little or no urination
- Serious heart damage (such as severe heart damage (for example, from a cardiac attack);
- Untreated addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
- Excessive levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
- An inherited condition that triggers instances of extreme muscle weakness; or
- If you're severely dehydrated or experience severe heat cramps,
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney problems;
- Heart conditions, high blood pressure, or
- Stomach or bleeding from the intestines.
How to take CytraK?
Follow the directions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. The doctor might alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. The medicine is typically taken following meals and before bedtime. Follow the dosing guidelines of your physician extremely carefully. Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the syringe for dosing or use a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).
The medicine may cause irritation to your stomach, esophagus, or intestines. To avoid this, mix the powder or liquid form of this medication with juice or water. The quantity of juice or water that you drink will depend on the dosage you are taking and whether you take powder or liquid. Drink plenty of fluids while you take this medication.
You might need to adhere to a specific diet. Follow the instructions from your physician or dietitian. Find out about the foods you should be aware of or avoid to manage your illness. You'll need to have frequent urine and blood tests. Keep it in a tightly sealed container that is kept at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and freezing.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of Cytra-K can lead to death very quickly when your potassium levels are excessively high. Overdose symptoms can include weakness and nausea, as well as tingling or irregular heartbeats.
What should be avoided?
Talk to your doctor prior to using an antacid, and make sure you use only the kind recommended by your physician. Antacids that contain aluminum could interfere with this medication and cause serious adverse side effects.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements without consulting your physician.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, 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 not comprehensive. Other medications can affect Cytra-K as well, such as prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions of all drugs are included here.
