Potassium Citrate Extended-Release Tablets

What is this medication?

POTASSIUM CITRATE (poe TASS ee um SIT rate) 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): Urocit-K

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

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

• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Heart damage, failure
• Kidney disease
• Stomach ulcers or other problems
• Swallowing problems
• Urinary tract infection
• An unusual or allergic reaction to potassium citrate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not chew, crush or suck on the tablets. Take this medication in an upright or sitting position. Drink a sip of water before taking the medication to help you swallow it. Take this medication with a meal or a snack. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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
• Eplerenone
• Histamine blockers for cold or allergy
• Medications for bladder spasm like oxybutynin and tolterodine
• Medications for movement abnormalities or Parkinson's disease
• Potassium supplements
• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• Some medications for the stomach like chlordiazepoxide and dicyclomine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or similar medications
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• Methenamine
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Quinidine
• Quinolone antibiotics
• Some medications for high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney protection

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. Tell your care team if you have trouble swallowing this medication, or if it seems to stick in your throat. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medication.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may see the shell of extended-release tablet in the stool. This is normal. The medication from the tablet has been released.

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
• Esophageal ulcer—loss of appetite, throat pain, pain or trouble swallowing, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dry cough
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

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). Keep container closed tightly. 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.