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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

• 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