Description
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Urocrit K for managing kidney conditions like renal tubular acidosis (RTA) with kidney stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, or uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones.
Urocrit K works by increasing how alkaline the blood is, increasing urine pH. Subsequently, greater amounts of citrate are excreted through the kidneys. Urocrit K also increases potassium in the blood and kidneys. The overall effect is that stones are less likely to form in the kidneys.
Fact Table
|
Formula
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K3C6H5O7
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License
|
Approved by the FDA and other regulatory bodies
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Bioavailability
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90%
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Legal status
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Rx-Only
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Chemical Name
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Potassium Citrate
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Elimination half-life
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Unknown
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Dosage (Strength)
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540 (5mEq), 1080mg (10mEq)
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Pregnancy
|
Consult Doctor
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Brands
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Urocit K
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Protein binding
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Not applicable for potassium citrate
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PubChem CID
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13344
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MedlinePlus
|
a601099
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ChEBI
|
32035
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ATC code
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A12BA02
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DrugBank
|
DB01358
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KEGG
|
D01296
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Routes of administration
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Oral
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Directions
Take Urocrit exactly as directed. The dose will be determined based on your urinary citrate lab, which the prescriber will measure before starting the drug.
Take Urocrit K with meals.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Urocrit K is potassium citrate.
Interactions
Common drug-drug interactions with this medication may include
- Aclidinium
- Aliskiren
- Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Amantadine
- Amphetamines
- Atropine, Homatropine
- Azilsartan (Edarbi)
- Benazepril (Lotensin)
- Benztropine
- Biperiden
- Candesartan (Atacand)
- Captopril
- Darifenacin
- Dicyclomine
- Drospirenone-Containing Products
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Eplerenone
- Eprosartan
- Fesoterodine
- Finerenone
- Flavoxate
- Fosinopril
- Glycopyrrolate
- Heparin
- Hyoscyamine
- Ipratropium
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Mecamylamine
- Memantine
- Mepenzolate
- Methscopolamine
- Moexipril
- Nicorandil
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Olmesartan (Benicar)
- Oxybutynin
- Perindopril
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
- Propantheline
- Quinapril (Accupril)
- QuiNINE
- Ramipril (Altace)
- Revefenacin
- Scopolamine
- Solifenacin
- Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Tiotropium
- Tolterodine
- Trandolapril
- Trihexyphenidyl
- Trospium
- Valsartan (Diovan)
Cautions
Do not take this medication if the potassium in your blood is too high. Tell your doctor about all medical conditions before starting this drug.
Do not take this medication if you have a delayed gastrointestinal tract.
This drug should not be used during an active Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
This should not be used in people with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Ask your doctor and pharmacist about all warnings that apply to you.
Side Effects
The most common adverse effects may include
- Abdominal distress
- Diarrhea
- Hyperkalemia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
References
- Urocit K [package insert]. San Antonio, Tx: Mission Pharmacal Company; 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urocit K (Potassium Citrate)
What is Urocit K used for?
Urocit K is used to treat renal tubular acidosis, prevent kidney stones associated with gout, and alkalinize the urine which helps in getting rid of uric acid, thus aiding in the prevention of gout and kidney stones.
How should Urocit K be taken?
It's recommended to take this medication along with a meal or within 30 minutes after finishing a meal or with a bedtime snack to prevent stomach-related side effects. It's also advised not to lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose.
What are the possible side effects of Urocit K?
Common side effects include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include severe vomiting, high blood potassium leading to nausea, weakness, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement, or signs of stomach bleeding like bloody stools.
Is a prescription required for Urocit K?
Yes, a prescription is required to obtain Urocit K.
What should I do in case of an overdose?
In case of an overdose, it's crucial to contact a poison control center or seek medical care right away.
How does Urocit K work?
Urocit K works by making the urine more alkaline (less acidic), which helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, aiding in the prevention of certain types of kidney stones and gout.
Can Urocit K cause high blood potassium levels?
Yes, Urocit K may cause high blood potassium levels which can lead to serious symptoms such as nausea, weakness, and irregular heartbeats.
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Urocit K?
It's not specifically mentioned, but it's advisable to follow the dietary instructions provided by your doctor.
Can Urocit K interact with other medications?
Yes, Urocit K can interact with other medications that contain potassium or aluminum. Talk to your doctor to get the full breakdown of what can interact with Urocit K.
Who should not take Urocit K?
Individuals with conditions that impair potassium excretion, such as chronic renal failure, severe myocardial damage, or heart failure should avoid using Urocit K.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 13145