Potassium Citrate Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

POTASSIUM CITRATE (poe TASS i um SI treyt) is a potassium salt. It helps to make the urine more alkaline or less acidic. This medicine is used to prevent kidney stones.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration
• diabetes
• heart damage, failure
• kidney disease
• stomach ulcers or other problems
• swallowing problems
• urinary tract infection
• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium citrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not chew, crush or suck on the tablets. Take this medicine in an upright or sitting position. Drink a sip of water before taking the medicine to help you swallow it. Take this medicine with a meal or a snack. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• ammonium chloride
• antacids
• eplerenone
• histamine blockers for cold or allergy
• medicines for bladder spasm like oxybutynin and tolterodine
• medicines for movement abnormalities or Parkinson's disease
• potassium supplements
• potassium-sparing diuretics
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• some medicines for the stomach like chlordiazepoxide and dicyclomine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or similar drugs
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• digoxin
• lithium
• methenamine
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• quinidine
• quinolone antibiotics
• some medicines for high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney protection

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing this medicine, or if it seems to stick in your throat. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

You may see the shell of extended-release tablet in the stool. This is normal. The medicine from the tablet has been released.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bloody, black, tarry stools
• confused, dizzy, lightheaded, faint
• irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• pain on swallowing
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• loose stools
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.