Potassium citrate information sheet
Contact details
Pharmacy, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick
Outpatient prescription orders: SCHN-SCHPharmacy@health.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9382 1368
Introduction
Potassium citrate medication is used to help prevent kidney stones.
What is potassium citrate
Potassium citrate is a medication that is used for many different purposes. This information sheet focuses on its use as a medication to help dissolve kidney stones and prevent them from forming.
Uricosal is commercially available products that contain potassium citrate and it also contains sugar. If your child has been advised by their doctor not to have medications containing sugar or carbohydrates it is important not to use this product.
Your child may start with the liquid form of potassium citrate medicine and then switch to tablets when they are older and can swallow tablets easily.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about switching to tablets if you think your child is ready.
What is it used for
There may be different reasons why your child is prescribed this medication and one of them is to help dissolve kidney stones and prevent them from forming.
It is often used along with prescribed special diets (for example, a ketogenic or low salt diet) for children with certain medical conditions or for patients with kidney problems. Using this medication does not change how well the ketogenic diet works.
It is sometimes used to treat a condition called metabolic acidosis, especially if extra potassium is also required.
Your child may have regular blood tests, urine tests, and monitoring to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely.
Be careful if using other medications that have potassium in them, let your doctor and pharmacist know as extra blood test monitoring may be needed.
Medication instructions
How to give Potassium citrate
Your child's doctor and pharmacist will tell you the right amount and how often to give the potassium citrate to your child. Only use the amount prescribed for your child.
Potassium citrate medication can be mixed with water or a drink that fits your child’s diet. This medication can be taken with or without food.
How long your child will need to take this medicine depends on your doctor’s instructions. Do not stop this medication unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Be careful if using other medications that have potassium in them, let your doctor and pharmacist know as extra blood test monitoring may be needed.
What to do if your child misses a dose
- If your child miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember.
- If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Do not double any doses.
Medication storage and safety
Storage
The sugar-free mixture is freshly prepared and has a short expiry date which is labelled on the bottle. Do not use it after this date, please return any unwanted medication (expired) to a community pharmacy for safe disposal.
Keep the medicine in its original packaging at room temperature. Store it away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Do not store it in the refrigerator as it can cause it to crystalise and affect the stability of the medication.
Always store medicines out of reach of children. It is best to keep them in a locked or child-proof cupboard.
Side effects
Potassium citrate rarely causes side effects when given at the correct dose and time.
The most common side effects include mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort. If you notice any of these or any other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, talk with your child's doctor.
Medication scripts
Ask your child’s Doctor at a follow up appointment for another medication script if required.
Sugar-free liquid (from Sydney Children’s Hospital Pharmacy OR a compounding pharmacy) is made to order for your child and it has 30-day expiry date, so you must give your pharmacy notice when you expect the medication to run out.
You can get a prescription covered by Medicare (cost subsidised by the government) from your doctor. This product can be prepared by your local compounding pharmacy. You may need to let your local pharmacy know ahead so that they can order in the materials needed to compound this medication.
Tablets (from Sydney Children’s Hospital Pharmacy)
Commercially made syrup (Sydney Children’s Hospital Pharmacy OR from your local community pharmacy)
Important information
Contact your doctor if you notice and of the following: vomiting; black, tarry or bloody stool; abnormal heartbeat; weakness, dizziness, tingling, feeling like fainting; allergic reaction, for example, rash, itching, swelling and for any other problems or if you have any questions.
Disclaimer
This information sheet is a guide only, intended for use by parents and carers only. Medication should only be given to children by a responsible adult when required and as directed by the doctor or pharmacist.
Medication should be stored safely and out of reach and sight of children.
If your child’s symptoms do not improve with medication see your local health care professional (a pharmacist or a doctor) for more advice.