Potassium citrate Side Effects

Some side effects of potassium citrate may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to potassium citrate: oral liquid, oral tablet extended release

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking potassium citrate: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, anxiety, feeling like you might pass out;

• uneven heartbeat;

• extreme thirst, increased urination;

• leg discomfort;

• muscle weakness or limp feeling;

• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, or around your mouth;

• severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea or vomiting;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools; or

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects of potassium citrate may include:

• mild nausea or upset stomach;

• mild or occasional diarrhea; or

• appearance of a potassium citrate tablet in your stool.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to potassium citrate: compounding powder, oral liquid, oral tablet extended release

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have been reported rarely. Hyperkalemia may cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and can occur even when renal function is normal. Patients should not use potassium-rich salt substitutes without the advice of their healthcare professional during potassium citrate therapy. Long-term therapy can result in metabolic alkalosis.

Signs of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness (including frank skeletal muscle and diaphragm paralysis), peaked T waves on the ECG, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects have been reported the most frequently. These have included nausea, vomiting, and epigastric or abdominal pain (in 3% to 17% of patients). GI side effects may be lessened by taking the drug with meals.

There are numerous reports of GI ulceration and rare reports of gastric or small bowel obstruction associated with the use of solid potassium salt preparations. Patients at higher risk of GI lesions include the elderly and patients with scleroderma, diabetes mellitus, mitral valve replacement, cardiomegaly, esophageal stricture, or impaired GI motility or diverticulae.

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