Urocit®-K is contraindicated:
- In patients with hyperkalemia (or who have conditions pre-disposing them to hyperkalemia), as a further rise in serum potassium concentration may produce cardiac arrest. Such conditions include: chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, extensive tissue breakdown or the administration of a potassium-sparing agent (such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride).
- In patients in whom there is cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract, such as those suffering from delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, intestinal obstruction or stricture, or those taking anticholinergic medication.
- In patients with peptic ulcer disease because of its ulcerogenic potential.
- In patients with active urinary tract infection (with either urea-splitting or other organisms, in association with either calcium or struvite stones). The ability of Urocit®-K to increase urinary citrate may be attenuated by bacterial enzymatic degradation of citrate. Moreover, the rise in urinary pH resulting from Urocit®-K therapy might promote further bacterial growth.
- In patients with renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 0.7 ml/kg/min), because of the danger of soft tissue calcification and increased risk for the development of hyperkalemia.
Urocit®-K is a prescription form of potassium citrate. It helps restore the chemicals in urine that stop crystals from forming, and reduces the formation of the two most common types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate and uric acid stones.
Important Safety Information
Urocit®-K is not for everyone. It has not been tested on children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding, and it is unknown whether Urocit®-K can affect reproductive capacity, unborn children, or breast milk content. You should not take Urocit®-K if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, unless your doctor has discussed the risks with you and determined that it is necessary.
Certain drugs can interact with Urocit®-K and lead to increased gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. Drug interactions can also lead to hyperkalemia, an excess of potassium in your blood that could lead to cardiac arrest or death. These serious and possibly fatal conditions can develop rapidly with no noticeable symptoms. Always talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting a prescription of Urocit®-K.
If you have hyperkalemia, or any condition that puts you at risk for the condition or prevents your body from processing potassium normally, do not take Urocit®-K because it could lead to cardiac arrest. Conditions that may put you at risk include kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, severe dehydration, strenuous physical exercise if you're unconditioned, extensive tissue breakdown, or adrenal insufficiency (when your adrenal glands do not produce the correct amount of chemicals needed to regulate the function of your organs).
Do not take Urocit®-K if you have an active urinary tract infection, peptic ulcer disease, or conditions that slow or prevent the tablet from passing through your GI tract, such as compression of the esophagus, delayed gastric emptying, or narrowing or blockage of your intestines.
Take Urocit®-K only as directed. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablets, and check with your doctor if you experience any trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to get stuck in your throat.
To ensure your safety during your prescription, your doctor may perform regular blood tests and EKGs (which analyze the electrical activity in your heart).
Some patients taking Urocit®-K may develop minor GI side effects such as abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, loose bowel movements or nausea. To reduce these effects, take each dose of Urocit®-K with meals or snacks, or talk to your doctor about reducing the amount of your dosage.
If you experience severe vomiting, abdominal pain, tarry stools, or other signs of intestinal bleeding, stop taking Urocit®-K and see your doctor right away. These could be signs of a serious condition such as a perforated or blocked bowel.
To report negative side effects, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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