Urocit-K (potassium citrate) Contraindications

About Urocit^®-K

Urocit^®-K is contraindicated:

In patients with hyperkalemia (or who have conditions pre-disposing them to hyperkalemia), as a further rise in serum potassium concentration may produce cardiac arrest. Such conditions include: chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, extensive tissue breakdown or the administration of a potassium-sparing agent (such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride).
In patients in whom there is cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract, such as those suffering from delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, intestinal obstruction or stricture, or those taking anticholinergic medication.
In patients with peptic ulcer disease because of its ulcerogenic potential.
In patients with active urinary tract infection (with either urea-splitting or other organisms, in association with either calcium or struvite stones). The ability of Urocit^®-K to increase urinary citrate may be attenuated by bacterial enzymatic degradation of citrate. Moreover, the rise in urinary pH resulting from Urocit^®-K therapy might promote further bacterial growth.
In patients with renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 0.7 ml/kg/min), because of the danger of soft tissue calcification and increased risk for the development of hyperkalemia.

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