The main function of potassium citrate is to attach calcium and lowering the amount of calcium level in the urine. That’s way potassium citrate are efficient to prevent mineral crystallization which further more can develop into kidney stones. Potassium citrate also effective decreases the acid level of the urine. One of potassium citrate knowingly drug is urocit-K
Generally, beside for uric acid kidney stones, potassium citrate also effective to prevent other types of stones, including cystine stone. Although for cystine stone, potassium citrates are less effective comparing to other type of stone.
In some case, kidney stone patient could lose and lowering their potassium level while taking thiazide as preventing medication from kidney stone development. The doctor might suggest taking potassium citrate, which could be used to replace lost potassium and increase potassium level.
But potassium citrate also has several side effects, especially for liquid form of potassium citrate drugs, which may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or gassing. But comparing to baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), potassium citrate has lesser side effects. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can use to control the level of acid in the urine.
The good news is there is tips that might work to reduce potassium citrate commonly side effect. It is just a simple thing; try adding some water while taking the drug or try to combine it with food while using it. Other simple way to increasing potassium citrate level in your body is by drinking 118.3 mL of frozen concentrate lemonade in 1 L of water each day, which is proven to work.
During potassium citrate treatment, the patient should aware with their urinary acidity (pH). It is suggested to maintain pH value between 6.0 and 7.0. Why? Because kidney stones are likely to be formed if the patient urine pH is lesser than 6.0 or higher than 7.0
Compile and re-written based on article by Paul Lehnert
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