Indication

Prevention of gout and kidney stones, Urine alkalinization, Renal tubular acidosis

Administration

Dilute oral solution in water according to directions, followed by additional water, if desired\r\n\r\nProper dilution may help prevent gastrointestinal injury associated with the oral ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations\r\n\r\nPalatability enhanced if chilled

Adult Dose

Urinary Alkalinization\r\nIndicated for long-term maintenance of an alkaline urine (eg, patients with uric acid and cystine calculi of the urinary tract), especially when the administration of sodium salts is undesirable or contraindicated\r\n\r\nUsual dose: 15-30 mL PO diluted with 1 glass of water QID (after meals and at bedtime)

Child Dose

Urinary Alkalinization\r\nIndicated for long-term maintenance of an alkaline urine (eg, patients with uric acid and cystine calculi of the urinary tract), especially when the administration of sodium salts is undesirable or contraindicated\r\n\r\nUsual dose: 5-15 mL PO diluted with one-half glass of water QID (after meals and at bedtime)

Contraindication

The drug is contraindicated in severe renal impairment with oliguria or azotemia, untreated Addison's disease, acute dehydration, severe myocardial damage, and hyperkalemia from any cause.

Mode of Action

Potassium citrate is absorbed and metabolized to potassium bicarbonate and this acts as a systemic alkalizer .

Precaution

The solution should be used with caution in patients with low urinary output. It should be diluted adequately with water to minimize the possibility of gastrointestinal injury associated with the oral ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations; and preferably, to take each dose after meals. Large doses may cause hyperkalemia and alkalosis, especially in the presence of renal disease.\r\n\r\nLactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk

Side Effect

This solution is generally well tolerated without any unpleasant side effect when given in recommended doses to patients with normal renal function and urinary output. However, as with any alkalinizing agent, caution must be used in certain patients with abnormal renal mechanisms to avoid development of hyperkalemia or alkalosis. Potassium intoxication causes listlessness, weakness, mental confusion, tingling of extremities, and other symptoms associated with a high concentration of potassium in the serum.