Prescription drug
Potassium citrate
Alkalinizing salt used in renal tubular acidosis and to prevent uric acid or cystine kidney stones; raises urinary pH.
Scientific evidence
Moderate
Sources
Our own summaries · Cited studies
Recommended dose and how to use
30–60 mEq/day divided into several doses; adjusted by nephrology or urology according to urinary pH and serum potassium.
How to take it
30–60 mEq/day divided into several doses; adjusted by nephrology or urology according to urinary pH and serum potassium.
Safety
Risk of hyperkalemia, especially combined with ACE inhibitors/ARBs, spironolactone, or potassium supplements. Requires monitoring of serum potassium.
Effect by goal · level of evidence
improves Moderate small trials (A)
↑ pH and bicarbonate
Raises serum bicarbonate and corrects renal tubular acidosis and the chronic acidosis of CKD.
See the study (small trials) →Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.