Potassium and sodium citrates/ citric acid solution
Generic name: potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid [ poe-TAS-ee-um-and-SOE-dee-um-SIT-rates/SIT-rik-AS-id ]
Brand name: Examples include Cytra-3 and Tricitrates
Potassium and sodium citrates/ citric acid solution is used for:
Preventing certain types of kidney stones. It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution is a urinary alkalinizing agent. It neutralizes some of the acid in your urine, which reduces the formation of crystals in your urine that could become kidney stones.
Do NOT use potassium and sodium citrates/ citric acid solution if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution
- you have high potassium levels in the blood, high aluminum levels in the blood, severe kidney problems, or you are unable to urinate
- you have untreated Addison disease (an adrenal gland problem) or certain heart problems (heart failure or heart damage)
- you are taking a product that contains aluminum (eg, antacids)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using potassium and sodium citrates/ citric acid solution:
Some medical conditions may interact with potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have heart problems (eg, heart failure), high blood pressure, adrenal gland problems, kidney problems, or diabetes
- if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcer, diarrhea), a urinary tract infection, or you are dehydrated
- if you have high blood acid levels; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; fluid buildup in the lungs; decreased urination; or trouble urinating
- if you have preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
- if you have low blood calcium levels, or you are on a sodium-restricted or potassium-restricted diet
- if you have a condition in which your skin is breaking down (eg, severe burns)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), aliskiren, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene), or potassium supplements because the risk of high potassium levels, possibly with irregular heartbeat or a heart attack, may be increased
- Products that contain aluminum (eg, antacids), digoxin, certain stimulants (eg, amphetamine), or sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution
- Lithium or tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline) because their effectiveness may be decreased by potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use potassium and sodium citrates/ citric acid solution:
Use potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution by mouth after meals and at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Be sure to dilute potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution in water as directed on the packaging or by your doctor. Do not take potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution without mixing it.
- Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
- Shake well before each use.
- Potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution may taste better if it is chilled before you take it.
- Drinking extra fluids while you are taking potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
- If you take a tetracycline antibiotic (eg, doxycycline), do not take potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution within 2 hours before or after taking the tetracycline. Check with your doctor if you have questions.
- If you miss a dose of potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution.
Important safety information:
- Potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- Lab tests, including blood potassium levels, other blood electrolyte levels (eg, sodium, calcium, bicarbonate), and kidney function, may be performed while you use potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of potassium and sodium citrates/ citric acid solution:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling around the lips; numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet; shortness of breath; unusual tiredness; unusual weakness or heaviness of the legs; weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; fainting; irregular heartbeat; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; seizures; sluggishness; weakness.
Proper storage of potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution:Store potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using potassium and sodium citrates/citric acid solution.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
