Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For patients taking the tablet form of this medicine:

  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablet.
  • Take with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
  • If you have trouble swallowing the tablets or they seem to stick in your throat, check with your doctor at once. If this medicine is not completely swallowed and not properly dissolved, it can cause severe irritation.

For patients taking the liquid form of this medicine:

  • Dilute with a full glass (6 ounces) of water or juice and drink; follow with additional water, if desired.
  • Chill, but do not freeze, this medicine before taking it, for a better taste.

For patients taking the crystals form of this medicine:

  • Add the contents of one packet to at least 6 ounces of cool water or juice.
  • Stir well to make sure the crystals are completely dissolved.
  • Drink all the mixture to be sure you are taking the correct dose. Follow with additional water or juice, if desired.

Take each dose immediately after a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal or bedtime snack. This helps prevent the medicine from causing stomach pain or a laxative effect.

Drink at least a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid (except milk) every hour during the day (about 3 quarts a day), unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will increase the flow of urine and help prevent kidney stones.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important if you are also taking a diuretic (water pill) or digitalis medicine for your heart.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For potassium citrate

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic) and to prevent kidney stones:
      • Adults—At first, 1.08 to 2.16 grams three times a day with meals. Some people may take 1.62 grams four times a day with meals or within thirty minutes after a meal or bedtime snack. Your doctor may change your dose if needed. However, most people usually will not take more than 10.8 grams a day.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For potassium citrate and citric acid

  • For oral dosage form (solution):
    • To make the urine or blood more alkaline (less acidic) and to prevent kidney stones:
      • Adults—At first, 2 to 3 teaspoonfuls of solution, mixed with water or juice, four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic):
      • Children—At first, 1 to 3 teaspoonfuls of solution, mixed with water or juice, four times a day after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
  • For oral dosage form (crystals for solution):
    • To make the urine or blood more alkaline (less acidic) and to prevent kidney stones:
      • Adults—At first, 3.3 grams of potassium citrate, mixed with water or juice, four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

For potassium citrate and sodium citrate

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic) and to prevent kidney stones:
      • Adults—At first, 1 to 4 tablets after meals and at bedtime.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For sodium citrate and citric acid

  • For oral dosage form (solution):
    • To make the urine and blood more alkaline (less acidic) and to prevent kidney stones:
      • Adults—At first, 2 to 6 teaspoonfuls of solution four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. The solution should be mixed in one to three ounces of water. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will usually not take more than five ounces a day.
    • To make the blood more alkaline (less acidic):
      • Adults—1 to 2 tablespoonfuls as a single dose. You may mix it in one to two tablespoonfuls of water.
    • To make the contents of the stomach less acidic before surgery:
      • Children—At first, 1 to 3 teaspoonfuls of solution four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. The solution should be mixed in one to three ounces of water. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.

For tricitrates

  • For oral dosage form (solution):
    • To make the urine and blood more alkaline (less acidic) and to prevent kidney stones:
      • Adults—At first, 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls of solution four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
    • To make the contents of the stomach less acidic before surgery:
      • Adults—1 tablespoonful as a single dose. You should mix the solution in one tablespoonful of water.
    • To make the urine or blood more alkaline (less acidic):
      • Children—At first, 5 to 10 mL four times a day after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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