Generic name: Potassium Citrate [ poe-TASS-ee-um-SIT-rate ]
Brand names: Urocit-K 10, Urocit-K 15, Urocit-K 5
Drug class: Urinary pH modifiers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 3, 2024.

Uses of Urocit-K 15:

• It is used to treat kidney stones.
• It is used to treat acid problems in the blood.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Urocit-K 15?

• If you are allergic to Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate); any part of Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Fluid loss (dehydration), high blood sugar (diabetes), high potassium levels, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, urinary tract infection, or adrenal gland disease.
• If you have any of these health problems: A bowel block, slow-moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract, or slow stomach clearing.
• If you will be doing a lot of exercise and are not in shape.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Urocit-K 15?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may need to have an ECG checked before starting Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate) and while taking it. Talk with your doctor.
• Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about.
• You may need to lower how much salt is in your diet. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• You may need to check the acid content (pH) of your urine using a dipstick test.
• If you are taking a salt substitute that has potassium in it, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, talk with your doctor.
• If the tablet gets stuck after you swallow it, you may notice chest pain or pressure. If this happens, call your doctor right away. Do not take another tablet unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Urocit-K 15) best taken?

Use Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate) with food.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Do not suck on this product.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

potassium citrate, Urocit-K

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Swelling of belly.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.

What are some other side effects of Urocit-K 15?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• You may see the tablet shell in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Urocit-K 15?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Urocit-K 15 (potassium citrate), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Potassium Citrate vs. Gluconate: What’s the difference?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer