Dosing and uses of Cytra-K (potassium citrate/citric acid)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
potassium citrate/citric acid
oral solution
- (1100mg/334mg)/5mL
- Each 2 mL contains 2 mEq potassium ion and is equivalent to 2 mEq bicarbonate (HCO3)
Urinary Alkalinization
Indicated 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
Usual dose: 15-30 mL PO diluted with 1 glass of water QID (after meals and at bedtime)
Administration
Dilute oral solution in water according to directions, followed by additional water, if desired
Proper dilution may help prevent gastrointestinal injury associated with the oral ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations
Palatability enhanced if chilled
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
potassium citrate/citric acid
oral solution
- (1100mg/334mg)/5mL
- Each 2 mL contains 2 mEq potassium ion and is equivalent to 2 mEq bicarbonate (HCO3)
Urinary Alkalinization
Indicated 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
Usual dose: 5-15 mL PO diluted with one-half glass of water QID (after meals and at bedtime)
Administration
Dilute oral solution in water according to directions, followed by additional water, if desired
Proper dilution may help prevent gastrointestinal injury associated with the oral ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations
Palatability enhanced if chilled
Cytra-K (potassium citrate/citric acid) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Hyperkalemia
Alkalosis
Warnings
Contraindications
Severe renal impairment with oliguria or azotemia
Untreated Addison's disease
Adynamia episodica hereditaria
Acute dehydration
Heat cramps
Anuria
Severe myocardial damage
Hyperkalemia from any cause
Hypersensitivity to any ingredient
Cautions
Small bowel lesions (eg, stenosis with or without ulceration) reported with potassium salts (mostly from enteric-coated products)
Large doses may cause hyperkalemia and alkalosis, especially in presence of renal disease
Caution with low urinary output
Direct patients to dilute solution with water before ingestion to minimize GI injury associated with concentrated potassium preparations
Take after meals to avoid saline laxative effect
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Cytra-K (potassium citrate/citric acid)
Mechanism of action
Potassium citrate is absorbed and metabolized to potassium bicarbonate and this acts as a systemic alkalizer
Elimination
Excretion: Oxidation of potassium citrate is virtually complete so <5% is excreted in the urine unchanged