Potassium citrate

Active Ingredient:

Potassium Citrate

Drug description:

This product increases the pH of the urine, which makes it more basic (alkaline).

Indications:

Potassium citrate is used in domestic animals primarily to prevent calcium oxalate crystals from forming in their urine.

Contraindications:

Unless otherwise directed by the veterinarian, this drug should not be given to animals with cardiac (heart) or renal (kidney) problems.

Animals that have stones or urinary crystals made of struvite should also not take potassium citrate.

Side Effects:

Side effects are uncommon because this medication is usually well tolerated by animals.

The main side effects observed are vomiting and diarrhea.

Recommended monitoring:

Blood and urine tests should be done regularly to check the pH of blood and urine to make sure that the calcium oxalates do not come back despite the treatment.

Drug interactions:

Potassium citrate can interfere with the effectiveness of some other drugs if used at the same time. You can ask your veterinarian which ones.

Please also notify the veterinarian if your pet is already taking any drug(s) before starting treatment with potassium citrate. This will allow him or her to make sure that they are compatible.           

Formulations available:

This product is available in tablet or liquid form to be administered in the mouth.

Storage:

At room temperature.

Warning:

Pregnant women should not handle this product.