Urocit-K (potassium citrate) Information for Health Professionals

Urocit^®-K inhibits stone formation with a broad range of efficacy

Urocit^®-K is indicated for the management of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) with calcium stones, hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis of any etiology, and uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones.

Urocit^®-K is effective in:
Metabolic Cause	Stone Composition
hypocitraturia	calcium oxalate
hyperuricosuria	calcium oxalate
idiopathic uric acid nephrolithiasis	uric acid
hypercalciuria	calcium oxalate
undue urinary acidity	uric acid
renal tubular acidosis	calcium oxalate
Table 1

Urocit^®-K increases urinary citrate and urinary pH^1-3

Urocit^®-K alkalinizes the urine. The citrate moiety, which is largely oxidized, is absorbed while the K ion remains, leaving an alkali load. The alkali load increases urinary citrate (inhibiting crystallization) and urinary pH (contributing to retardation of crystallization of calcium salts and inhibition of uric acid crystallization). Urocit^®-K decreases urinary saturation of calcium oxalate and inhibits both calcium oxalate and its crystallization.

Urocit^®-K inhibits stone formation in more than 90% of patients^3,7,8

Urocit^®-K produces remission (cessation of stone formation) in over 70% of patients.^3,7,8


	Renal Tubular Acidosis	Chronic Diarrheal Syndrome	Idiopathic Hypocitraturia	Uric Acid Stones
Pre-Treatment Duration (yr/pt)	3	3	3	3
Stone Formation Rate (no./yr)	39.3	4.69	2.11	1.20
Treatment Duration (yr/pt)	2.83	3.2	2.13	2.78
Stone Formation Rate (no./yr)	0^*	0.71^*	0.28^*	0.01^*
Remission (%)	100	70	89	94
Reduced Stone Formation Rate (%)	100	90	100	100
Urocit^®-K is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia and/or renal insufficiency. * p<0.01				Table 2

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

Patients with hyperkalemia, peptic ulcer disease, active urinary tract infection, and renal insufficiency
Conditions predisposing patients to hyperkalemia, including chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, and extensive tissue breakdown

Warnings and Precautions

Hyperkalemia: In patients with impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium, Urocit-K administration can produce hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Potentially fatal hyperkalemia can develop rapidly and be asymptomatic. The use of Urocit-K in patients with chronic renal failure, or any other condition which impairs potassium excretion such as severe myocardial damage or heart failure, should be avoided
Gastrointestinal lesions: If there is severe vomiting, abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding, Urocit-K should be discontinued immediately and the possibility of bowel perforation or obstruction investigated

Patient Counseling Information

Administration of Drug

Patients should be told to take Urocit-K 15 mEq without crushing, chewing, or sucking the tablet
Patients should be told to take Urocit-K 15 mEq only as directed, especially if the patient is also taking both diuretics and digitalis preparations
Patients should be told to check with the doctor if they experience difficulty swallowing the tablet or it seems to stick in the throat
Patients should be told to check with the doctor at once if they notice tarry stools or other signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
Patients should be advised that regular blood tests and electrocardiograms will be performed to ensure safety

Patient Monitoring Information

Hyperkalemia

Patients with impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium should be closely monitored for signs of hyperkalemia with periodic blood tests and ECGs

This material is intended to provide basic information. Patients should discuss all medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment with their healthcare provider.

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