Potassium Citrate ER (Urocit-K) Uses

Potassium citrate ER is used to treat and prevent kidney stones, including both calcium oxalate stones and uric acid stones. It is prescribed for calcium stones associated with a condition called renal tubular acidosis (RTA), in which the kidneys are unable to remove acids from the blood into the urine. Potassium citrate ER is also prescribed for calcium oxalate stones associated with hypocitraturia (low urinary citrate levels). It is also used to treat uric acid stones with or without calcium stones.

There may be additional uses of potassium citrate ER—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Potassium Citrate ER (Urocit-K) Mechanism of Action

Potassium citrate ER is a mineral supplement that contains potassium ions. It works as a urinary alkalinizer (it makes the urine more alkaline and less acidic). 

Potassium Citrate ER (Urocit-K) Doses

Potassium citrate ER is available as 5 mEq, 10 mEq, and 15 mEq tablets. The goal of treatment with this medication is to increase urinary citrate levels to more than 320 mg/day and as close as possible to the normal level of 640 mg/day and to increase urinary pH, resulting in pH levels of 6.0 or 7.0.

For severe hypocitraturia (urinary citrate less than 150 mg/day), the dose is typically 60 mEq/day in 2-3 divided doses. For mild to moderate hypocitraturia (urinary citrate more than 150 mg/day), the dose of potassium citrate ER is typically 30 mEq/day in 2-3 divided doses. The maximum dose of Urocit-K is 100 mEq/day.