Urocit-K (potassium citrate) Safety Information for Patients

What you should know about Urocit^®-K

Urocit^®-K comes in a wax-matrix tablet. The active ingredient dissolves out of the matrix. However, because the matrix itself may not disintegrate completely, you may notice a remnant of the wax in the stool. This is normal. Do not be concerned. All the medication has dissolved and you have received the full therapeutic dose.

When taking Urocit^®-K:

Take each dose without crushing, chewing, or sucking the tablet.
Take this medicine only as directed. This is especially important if you are also taking diuretics and digitalis preparations.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets or if the tablet seems to stick in your throat, check with your physician.
If you notice tarry stools or other evidence of GI bleeding, check with your physician immediately.

Warnings

The use of Urocit^®-K in patients with chronic renal failure, or any other condition which impairs potassium excretion, should be avoided. Individuals taking a potassium-sparing diuretic (such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride) should avoid taking Urocit^®-K.

Adverse Reactions

Some people, during treatment, may develop minor gastrointestinal irritation, such as: abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, loose bowel movements or nausea. Such symptoms may be alleviated by taking Urocit^®-K with meals or a snack.

If by any chance there is severe vomiting, abdominal pain, gastro-intestinal bleeding, or tarry stools, contact your physician immediately.

Contraindications

Urocit^®-K is contraindicated in those individuals with high levels of potassium in their blood serum due to such conditions as: chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, and those taking a potassium-sparing agent.

Because of its ulcerogenic potential, Urocit^®-K should not be taken by individuals with active peptic ulcers.

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.

Please see full Prescribing Information