Episode #35: potassium citrate (Urocit-K) | Podcast Show Notes
potassium citrate (poe TASS ee um SIT rate)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for potassium citrate along with a brief summary of various points on potassium citrate.
QUESTIONS:
- True or False: Potassium citrate and potassium chloride are therapeutically interchangeable.
- Describe the mechanism of action behind potassium citrate.
- What is the duration of action for Diovan?
- A patient presents with severe hypocitraturia. Which of the following is appropriate.
- A). Initiate 30 mEq PO bid, with a max of 100 mEq per day.
- B). Initiate 20 mEq PO tid, with a max of 100 mEq per day.
- C). Initiate 15 mEq PO bid, with a max of 200 mEq per day.
- D). Initiate 10 mEq PO tid, with a max of 200 mEq per day.
SUMMARY:
There are two commonly used forms of potassium. Potassium chloride (to treat hypokalemia) and potassium citrate (as an alkalinizing agent). Unlike potassium chloride, potassium citrate is also measured in “mg” in addition to “mEq”. It comes in a 5 mEq (540 mg), 10 mEq (1080 mg), and 15 mEq (1620 mg) strength ER tablet. The main indication for potassium citrate in in the management of kidney stones. In mild-moderate treatment you initiate 15 mEq PO bid or 10 mEq PO tid with a max dose of 100 mEq per day. Since potassium citrate is an alkalinizing agent the way it works is it makes urine less acidic. It raises the pH of urine to 6-7 which will help rid uric acid from the body. The reduction of uric acid helps manage gout and kidney stones. Since potassium citrate is a known GI irritant it is recommended to take the tablets whole with a glass of water to remain upright after taking it with food or at least within 30 minutes of a meal or snack.
ANSWERS:
- False. Potassium citrate is an alkalizing agent used to manage kidney stones while potassium chloride is used for supplementation.
- Potassium citrate makes urine less acidic raising the urine pH to 6-7. By raising the pH this will rid the body of uric acid and help prevent gout and kidney stones.
- 24 hours.
- Both A and B are appropriate. C and D initiation is appropriate for mild-moderate hypocitaturia but the max dose is 100 mEq per day, not 200 mEq per day.
PDF of Drug Card: potassium citrate
