Dosing and uses of Urocit K (potassium citrate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet, extended release
- 5mEq
- 10mEq
- 15mEq
Alkalinizing Agent
Urinary citrate <150 mg/day: 60 mEq/day PO (20 mEq with each meal) Or
Urinary citrate >150 mg/day: 30 mEq/day PO (10 mEq with each meal)
Maintenance
- Titrate dose to achieve urinary citrate 320-640 mg/day & urinary pH 6.0-7.0 (maximum dose 100 mEq/day)
Other Indications & Uses
Alkalinzing agent for maintaining long-term alkaline urine, alkalinizing agent for correcting acidosis of certain renal tubular disorders
Management of renal tubular acidosis w/ calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, uric acid lithiasis
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Common: abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, loose bowel movements or nausea
Serious: Hyperkalemia (potential for cardiac arrest), GI ulceration, GI irritation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, hyperkalemia, Addison's disease, anuria, uncontrolled DM, acute dehydration, adrenal insufficiency, renal insufficiency (GFR <0.7ml/kg/min)
Delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, GI obstruction, concomitant anticholinergic Rx, peptic ulcer dz, active UTI
Concomitant K+-sparing agents (e.g., triamterene, spironolactone, amiloride)
Cautions
Large doses may cause hyperkalemia and alkalosis, esp in renal impairment
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: A
Lactation: safe
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 Urocit K (potassium citrate)
Onset: 1 hr
Duration: 12 hr
Metabolite: bicarbonate (active)
Excretion: urine
Mechanism of action
Alkalinizes urine; citrate binds with urinary calcium
