Potassium Citrate; Citric Acid Solution

What is this medication?

POTASSIUM CITRATE; CITRIC ACID (poe TASS ee um SIT rate; SIT rik AS id) prevents and treats high acid levels in your body. It may also be used to help prevent gout or kidney stones, conditions caused by high uric acid levels. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in your body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytra K, Polycitra-K, VIRTRATE

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Addison's disease
• Dehydrated
• Heart disease
• High levels of potassium in the blood
• Irregular heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Trouble making urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to potassium, citric acid, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take after meals or with food. Before taking, mix the dose in cold water or juice as directed. Chill the solution for better taste. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ammonium chloride
• Antacids with aluminum
• Eplerenone
• Potassium supplements including salt substitutes
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin
• Certain diuretics like spironolactone, triamterene
• Certain medications for high blood pressure, heart problems like enalapril, propranolol
• Lithium
• Methenamine
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. You will need to have blood work done while you are taking this medication.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team about the foods that you eat and the vitamins that you take. Also, ask your care team how much fluid you need to drink.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.