UROCIT-K (POTASSIUM CITRATE)

Urocit-K Description

Urocit-K is prescribed for those men and women that are experiencing kidney stones, namely calcium oxalate or uric acid stones. Not everyone will show any symptoms of severe side and back pain, nausea/vomiting, pain when urinating, or pain that spreads across your abdomen and groin and fluctuates in intensity. This usually occurs when the stone has moved within your kidney or passed into your ureters. If you have had the misfortune of passing a kidney stone, then your doctor can prescribe Urocit-K or generic Potassium Citrate as a way to manage the chemicals in your body to reduce the formation of stones. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

A Change in Diet and Urocit-K Will Help Reduce the Formation of Crystals

The active ingredient of Urocit-K is Potassium Citrate, a potassium salt mineral works as a urinary alkalinizing agent to neutralize some of the acid in your urine in order to reduce crystal formation. If your urine lacks certain substances that stop the crystals from sticking or you have too much of the crystal forming substances your doctor can recommend Urocit-K. You can also try to reduce your risk of stones by changing your diet to include drinking lots of water to increase your urine output, and to cut back on foods rich in oxalates, including beets, okra, and spinach, as well as decreasing your salt intake and the consumption of animal protein.

Conditions Treated by Urocit-K

As your body carries out its normal functions, it produces acid that is usually removed or at least neutralized so your blood does not become too acidic. If you have renal tubular acidosis, the most common type is called distal acidosis, you have a problem with the final section of the tubule that ordinarily secretes acid into your urine. If this does not occur, the acid remains in your blood and without treatment, you could develop stones.

Before You Receive a Urocit-K Rx

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding, tell your doctor before taking Urocit-K. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal medicine and dietary or vitamin supplements, so it can be determined if Urocit-K is the right medication for you.

Urocit-K Precautions

Take Urocit-K with water and a meal or snack or within 30 minutes after a meal. You should not lie down for at least 30 minutes after swallowing Urocit-K. Keep all doctor or lab appointments as your blood may need to be checked often to be certain Urocit-K is working for you. Do not share Urocit-K with others and keep out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Urocit-K

• Nausea/vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Loose stools or diarrhea