What is Urocit-K?

Urocit-K is used to make the urine less acidic. This effect helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, thereby helping to prevent gout and kidney stones. This medication can also prevent and treat certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease. Citric acid and citrate salts (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urinary alkalinizers. If you have a condition that requires you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, your doctor may direct you to take a product that is lower in potassium and sodium. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• This medication should be taken with meals or a bedtime snack.
• Swallow this medication with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
• Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so
• Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.
• Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.
• Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
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Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: a certain adrenal gland problem (Addison's disease), bladder infection, diabetes, low calcium levels, severe diarrhea, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart attack), kidney problems, potassium-restricted diet, high potassium levels, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, ulcers), severe loss of body water (dehydration).
• If you are breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur. Taking it after meals will help prevent these side effects.
• An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Abdominal swelling, black/bloody stools, constipation, dizziness, fast heartbeat, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficult/painful swallowing, severe vomiting, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Muscle cramps/weakness, severe dizziness, slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, restlessness), tingling of the hands/feet, unusually cold skin.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

 Q: What should I avoid while taking Urocit-K?

A: Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after you take this medication. Avoid taking potassium supplements or using other products that contain potassium without first asking your doctor. Salt substitutes or low-salt dietary products often contain potassium. If you take certain products together you may accidentally get too much potassium. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains potassium.

While taking this medication, avoid strenuous exercise if you are not in proper condition for it.