How does Urocit®-K work?
The potassium citrate in Urocit®-K works partly by restoring the naturally occurring chemicals that block the formation of stones.
Urocit®-K normalizes the urinary environment so that calcium stone formation is inhibited.
Urocit®-K also reduces the tendency for uric acid stone formation by alkalinizing the urine. Many patients with this type of stone cease to form new stones when taking Urocit®-K. In those who still form stones, the stones develop at a lower rate than before treatment.
The wax matrix system
Urocit®-K contains potassium citrate in a wax-matrix tablet. This wax-matrix system delivers an extended release of medication which allows for less frequent dosing — once in the morning and once at night, or as prescribed by your physician.
Also, the slow-release tablets are better tolerated than liquid preparations so there is less stomach upset.
The wax-matrix tablets, unlike powder forms, offer the added convenience of not having to be reconstituted with water. And, there are no bottles of liquid to break or spill.
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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