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.
Urocit®-K is a prescription form of potassium citrate. It helps restore the chemicals in urine that stop crystals from forming, and reduces the formation of the two most common types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate and uric acid stones.
Important Safety Information
Urocit®-K is not for everyone. It has not been tested on children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding, and it is unknown whether Urocit®-K can affect reproductive capacity, unborn children, or breast milk content. You should not take Urocit®-K if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, unless your doctor has discussed the risks with you and determined that it is necessary.
Certain drugs can interact with Urocit®-K and lead to increased gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. Drug interactions can also lead to hyperkalemia, an excess of potassium in your blood that could lead to cardiac arrest or death. These serious and possibly fatal conditions can develop rapidly with no noticeable symptoms. Always talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting a prescription of Urocit®-K.
If you have hyperkalemia, or any condition that puts you at risk for the condition or prevents your body from processing potassium normally, do not take Urocit®-K because it could lead to cardiac arrest. Conditions that may put you at risk include kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, severe dehydration, strenuous physical exercise if you're unconditioned, extensive tissue breakdown, or adrenal insufficiency (when your adrenal glands do not produce the correct amount of chemicals needed to regulate the function of your organs).
Do not take Urocit®-K if you have an active urinary tract infection, peptic ulcer disease, or conditions that slow or prevent the tablet from passing through your GI tract, such as compression of the esophagus, delayed gastric emptying, or narrowing or blockage of your intestines.
Take Urocit®-K only as directed. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablets, and check with your doctor if you experience any trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to get stuck in your throat.
To ensure your safety during your prescription, your doctor may perform regular blood tests and EKGs (which analyze the electrical activity in your heart).
Some patients taking Urocit®-K may develop minor GI side effects such as abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, loose bowel movements or nausea. To reduce these effects, take each dose of Urocit®-K with meals or snacks, or talk to your doctor about reducing the amount of your dosage.
If you experience severe vomiting, abdominal pain, tarry stools, or other signs of intestinal bleeding, stop taking Urocit®-K and see your doctor right away. These could be signs of a serious condition such as a perforated or blocked bowel.
To report negative side effects, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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