Urocit-K 10

1 What is Urocit-K 10?

Brand: Urocit-K 10, Urocit-K 15, Urocit-K 5

Generic: Potassium Citrate

Urocit-K 10 is a urinary alkalizer used for the treatment of renal tubular acidosis. It is also used to prevent kidney stones that may occur with gout. This drug works by alkalinizing the urine. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Urocit-K 10, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of potassium citrate have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Data on the correlation of age to the effects of potassium citrate in geriatric patients are still unavailable. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Urocit-K 10 requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. The sodium or salt content in your diet will also be reduced. This drug must be taken with a meal or bedtime snack or within 30 minutes after meals.

The extended-release must be swallowed the tablet whole. Breaking, crushing, chewing, or sucking the drug is not recommended to prevent irritation in the mouth or throat.

Inform your healthcare professional if you have trouble swallowing the tablets, or if the tablet seems to stick or gets stuck in your throat. While taking the extended-release tablet, part of it may pass into your stools.

This is normal and is nothing to worry about. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this drug. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

The dose in adults for treatment and prevention of kidney stones is initially 15 to 30 milliequivalents two times a day or 10 to 20 mEq three times a day.

Your healthcare professional may increase your dose if necessary. The dose must not exceed 100 mEq per day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Urocit-K 10, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Unwanted effects can be screened using blood and urine tests. This drug must not be taken with atropine, benztropine, glycopyrrolate, or a diuretic to prevent any serious problems.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of hyperkalemia such as:

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of a serious stomach problem such as:

  • bloody or black
  • tarry stools
  • constipation
  • severe stomach pain
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Check with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Urocit-K 10. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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