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Potassium Citrate-Citric Acid

Pronounced

"SIT-rick acid/poh-TASS-ee-um, SO-dee-um SYE-trates"

Common brand names:

Polycitra-K

Uses

This medication is used to make the urine less acidic. This effect helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, thereby helping to prevent gout and kidney stones. This medication can also prevent and treat certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease.

Citric acid and citrate salts (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urinary alkalinizers. If you have a condition that requires you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, your doctor may direct you to take a product that is lower in potassium and sodium.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime. To help prevent diarrhea, take each dose after a meal. To prevent stomach upset/injury, mix your prescribed dose of medication in cold water or juice as directed. Drink the entire mixture slowly. If you still have stomach upset, mixing your dose in a larger amount of liquid may help unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions.

The liquid form of this medication must be mixed with at least 4 - 8 ounces (120 - 240 milliliters) of water before taking. Shake the bottle well before each dose and carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the powdered/crystal form of this medication, mix the contents of the packet in at least 3/4 cup (6 ounces or 180 milliliters) of cool water or juice before taking.

Refrigerating the mixture before drinking may improve the taste. Drink more water or juice after taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

While taking this medication, you may need to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special paper. The pH will help determine the proper dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.