Potassium Citrate
Potassium citrate is a medication used as a urinary alkalinizer, meaning it makes urine less acidic and more alkaline. It is available only with a doctor’s prescription and comes in various dosage forms.
Here are the benefits of potassium citrate:
- Prevents kidney stones: Potassium citrate may help prevent the formation of kidney stones by reducing the acidity of urine.
- Improves calcium balance: A 2013 study found that potassium citrate supplementation resulted in sustained improvement in calcium balance in older men and women, which has the potential to improve skeletal health.
- Treats or prevents low potassium levels: Potassium is an important mineral that helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Potassium citrate is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood.
According to a study, calcium balance was significantly improved in participants taking potassium citrate 90 mmol/day compared to placebo. The recommended dosage of potassium citrate varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s age and weight. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not take more or less than prescribed. Potential side effects of potassium citrate include:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, or vomiting.
- Allergic reactions: Potassium citrate may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Interaction with other medications: Potassium citrate may interact with other medications such as ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing, loop, and thiazide diuretics. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking potassium citrate if you are taking other medications.
It is important to note that appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of potassium citrate in the pediatric population. Also, safety and efficacy have not been established in geriatric patients.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657843/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/potassium-citrate
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/potassium-citrate-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20074773?p=1
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.hyp.0000158264.36590.19
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01980004
