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Potassium citrate

  • Potassium citrate is to help relieve the discomfort of cystitis.
  • Drink plenty of water while you are taking this preparation.

About potassium citrate

Type of medicine Alkalinising agent
Used for Mild urinary tract infections such as cystitis
Also called Cystopurin®; Effercitrate®
Available as Sachets of powder, effervescent tablets, and oral mixture

About potassium citrate

Potassium citrate is used to relieve discomfort in mild urinary tract infections such as cystitis. It works by making the urine less acidic.

Before taking potassium citrate

Before taking potassium citrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from heart disease.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take potassium citrate

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If you have been given effervescent tablets - take your dose dissolved in a glassful of water.
  • If you have been given the mixture - take two 5 ml spoonsful stirred into a glassful of water.
  • If you have been given the sachets - empty the contents of a sachet into a glassful of water. Stir it well before drinking.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Drink plenty of water while you are taking the course of medicine. This will increase the amount of urine you produce and will help to relieve your symptoms.
  • If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can potassium citrate cause problems?

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects, although you may notice a slight increase in passing urine whilst taking potassium citrate. If this becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store potassium citrate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3222		 DocRef:
dils2079		 Last Updated:
19 May 2008		 Date of Next Review:
19 May 2010		 Version:
23
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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