Citric Acid; Potassium Citrate Oral Solution

What is this medicine?

CITRIC ACID; POTASSIUM CITRATE (SIH trik AS id; poe TASS ee um SIH trayt) is used to make the urine more alkaline or less acidic. This helps prevent some kidney stones. It is also used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition in some people with kidney problems.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take after meals or with food. Before taking, mix the dose in cold water or juice as directed. Chill the solution for better taste. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain

• confusion

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• ammonium chloride

• antacids with aluminum

• eplerenone

• potassium supplements including salt substitutes

• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin

• certain diuretics like spironolactone, triamterene

• certain medicines for high blood pressure, heart problems like enalapril, propranolol

• lithium

• methenamine

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Addison's disease

• dehydrated

• heart disease

• high levels of potassium in the blood

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• trouble making urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to citric acid, potassium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You will need to have blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the foods that you eat and the vitamins that you take. Also, ask your doctor how much fluid you need to drink.