Active ingredient | For Quantity (1 Tablet) |
Potassium Citrate | 10 mEq |
URINARY SYSTEM STONE DISEASE and Urocit-K (POTASSIUM CITRATE)
Stone disease is an important health problem due to its frequent recurrence and high incidence. It is more common in some societies due to differences in geographical structure, racial differences and genetic structure. Turkish society is one of the societies where stone disease is common for the reasons mentioned above. Urinary tract stones are hard formations in the kidneys or urinary canal. It occurs as a result of crystallization and accumulation of substances that cannot be dissolved and excreted in urine over time. Kidney stones form when substances such as calcium oxalate or uric acid are found in the urine in higher concentrations than normally expected. These substances can precipitate as crystals in the kidney and grow over time to form kidney stones. Stones can be removed from the body by displacement or by moving down the urinary tract. However, stones lodged in any part of the urinary canal and obstructing the flow of urine often cause the dreaded, severe typical kidney pain.
UROCIT-K 10 mEq is a light yellow, wax matrix controlled release tablet. Contains 1080 mg potassium citrate. Potassium citrate is used in the treatment of preventing the formation of uric acid and calcium stones in the kidneys.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kidney Stone Formation and Urocit-K
What are the Factors Affecting Kidney Stone Formation?
A- Anatomical Abnormalities
Ureteral Strictures
- Up Stenosis (Kidney Outflow Stenosis)
- Urethrocele (at the junction of the ureter-bladder, it is a sac formed from the ureter-bladder mucosa and hanging into the bladder. It makes urine flow into the bladder difficult and may also prevent urine outflow from the bladder. It is a developmental defect and is often seen with double collector-drainer system)
- Urethral Strictures
- Horseshoe Kidney
B-Environmental Factors
- Nutrition Specifications
- Liquid Intake
- Rich in Calcium
- Food Nutrition
- Gout Disease
- Climate and Geography
- Characteristics
C- Genetic Factors
- Today, the prevalence of stone disease is approximately 2-5%, although it varies depending on the geography of the country and other factors. The most common age group is 20-40 years. It is 3 times more common in men than in women.
What is the probability of recurrence in a person who has had a urinary stone problem?
Year 1 10%
Year 5 35
10th year 50%
What is the Frequency of Kidney Stone Types?
Calcium oxalate, phosphate or both | %70-80 |
Struvite (Infection) | %10-15 |
Uric Acid | %5-10 |
Cystine | %1 |
Other (Xanthine, Silicate, Indinavir, Tiramterene) |
%1 |
What is the Role of Potassium Citrate in the Treatment of Kidney Stone Disease?
There are many medical and surgical treatment options for stone diseases. The size and structure of the stone; the most appropriate treatment option is preferred according to the patient’s age and health status.
Regular use of potassium citrate has a preventive role in kidney stone formation. Potassium citrate works as a urine alkalizer and prevents kidney stones from forming.
It is effective in all stone types except struvite stones.
Potassium Citrate Mechanism of ActionHow Does It Work?
Potassium Citrate alkalizes urine and prevents kidney stones that may form in an acidic environment. Thanks to the combination of citrate with calcium, it prevents the formation of calcium stones. Calcium and oxalate ions are required for the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones. For crystallization, two ion pairs must come together to form the CaOx salt. Crystallization can only start when the ion pairs in the medium rise above a certain density. The coming together of ion pairs formed above a certain density (nucleation) is the first stage for the formation of stone. However, nucleation is not sufficient for stone formation. The formed nuclei also need to aggregate together. In the end, the stone is formed when aggregates are deposited on top of each other or on other aggregates. However, in citrate media, it can bind in a way that prevents the formation of the CaOx ion pair. This has an inhibitory effect on nucleation and aggregation formation. This binding of citrate inhibits the formation of nucleation and aggregation. Citrate binds to the aggregates that will come together and form the stone, preventing the aggregates from coming together or nucleating on the aggregate and preventing growth. Citrate prevents stone formation by this inhibitory effect.
What are the Nutrition Recommendations to Prevent Kidney Stone Formation?
REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF OXALATE
Foods rich in oxalate: Spinach, Tomatoes, Mustard, Chard, Strawberries, Chocolate, Sweet Potatoes, Hazelnuts, Peanuts
REDUCE SODIUM
Foods rich in soy:
Table Salt, Packaged Prepared Foods, Foods with Additives, Fast Food, Deli, Salad Dressings, Soy Sauce, Pickle Juice, Chips, Olives
LIMIT ANIMAL PROTEINS
Foods rich in calcium: Red meat, white meat, offal, eggs, shellfish, dairy products
GET ENOUGH CALCIUM
Calcium-rich foods: Cheese, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, Soybeans, Green Vegetables, Yogurt
DRINK ENOUGH FLUIDS
It is recommended to drink at least 2.0 liters of water a day. It is recommended to avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
What is UROCIT-K 10 mEq and what is it used for?
UROCIT-K 10 mEq is a light yellow, wax matrix controlled release tablet. Contains 1080 mg
potassium citrate. Potassium used in the treatment of citrate, prevents the formation of uric acid and calcium stones
in the kidneys.
What should be considered before using UROCIT-K 10 mEq?
DO NOT use UROCIT-K in the following cases
UROCIT-K causes an additional increase in potassium levels in the blood,
leading to cardiac arrest. Therefore, if you already have high potassium levels or are predisposed to it
do not use this medicine. Tell your doctor if this is the case. Conditions
that may predispose to a high potassium level include: chronic kidney
failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, and inappropriate conditions.
Before you start using this medicine, read this leaflet carefully.
It contains important information for you.
– Keep these instructions for use. You may need to read it again later.
– If you have any further questions, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
– This medicine has been prescribed for you personally, do not give it to others.
– During the use of this medicine, when you go to the doctor or hospital, tell your doctor that
you are taking this medicine .
– Follow these instructions exactly. Do not use higher or lower doses of the drug than
the recommended dose.
heavy physical exercise, adrenal insufficiency, severe tissue damage or
taking potassium-sparing medicines (such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride). UROCIT-K,
complaining of delayed gastric emptying, oppression of the esophagus, intestinal obstruction
or narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, such as those suffering from gastrointestinal obstruction or constriction, or those receiving treatment with anticholinergic drugs.
in patients who have a reason to stop or delay tablet passage in the canal
should not be used. Since UROCIT-K treatment may cause ulceration, in patients with peptic ulcer
should not use.
UROCIT-K is also not used in case of active infection in the urinary tract. A problem in your urinary tract
Tell your doctor if you have any.
Do not use this medicine if you have impaired kidney function, inform your doctor.
Use UROCIT-K with CAUTION in the following situations
If your body’s potassium excretion mechanism is not working well, potassium buildup and eventually
cardiac arrest occurs. Therefore, if you have kidney failure or heart failure, you should
You should tell your doctor and not use this medicine.
UROCIT-K is combined with drugs that increase urination, such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
should not be used. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines.
Your doctor will recommend regular serum potassium determination. Especially If you have heart conditions,
acid-base balance, other serum levels, a kidney problem or acidosis
electrolyte levels, electrocardiogram and your clinical condition should be monitored by your doctor.
If these warnings apply to you, even at any time in the past, please consult
your doctor.
Use of UROCIT-K with food and drink
The tablets can be taken with meals to prevent complaints due to gastrointestinal irritation.
Pregnancy
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
It is not known whether UROCIT-K will have harmful effects on the unborn baby
when given to a pregnant woman. You should only take UROCIT-K if your doctor considers it absolutely necessary.
use under control.
If you notice that you are pregnant during your treatment, tell your doctor or pharmacist
your doctor.
Breastfeeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Nursing mothers should use UROCIT-K only on the advice of a doctor.
Vehicle and machine use
There is no information on the effect on driving and use of machinery.
Important information about some excipients contained in UROCIT-K
The tablets do not contain any excipients that require warning.
Use in combination with other medicines:
Do not use UROCIT-K with medicines such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride.
Drugs that slow gastrointestinal transit and prolong its duration, such as the group of drugs called anticholinergics
medicines may increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
If you are currently taking or have recently taken any prescription or over-the-counter medication
please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have used any of these medicines.
How to use UROCIT-K 10 mEq?
Instructions for appropriate use and dose/frequency of administration:
While taking UROCIT-K, avoid foods containing high levels of salt and avoid adding salt to food,
drink plenty of fluids. The daily amount of urine should be at least 2 liters.
Your doctor will check serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride and carbon dioxide) every four months,
may ask you to have serum creatinine and complete blood count tests. If potassium levels are high,
Treatment should be discontinued if there is a significant decrease in blood hematocrit or hemoglobin values.
Way and method of implementation
Use the medicine according to your doctor’s recommendations. Without breaking, sucking or chewing the tablets
swallow as whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet or if the tablet sticks in the throat
consult your doctor.
Different age groups
Use in children There is no information on use in children
Use in the elderly: If you have kidney failure, myocardial damage or heart failure,
do not use the medicine, inform your doctor.
Special use cases:
Kidney failure: If you have chronic kidney failure, inform your doctor.
If you have the impression that the effect of UROCIT-K is too strong or too weak
talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have used more UROCIT-K than you should have
If you have used more than you should from UROCIT-K, contact a
doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to take UROCIT-K
Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.
Potassium Citrate Mechanism of ActionHow Does It Work?
Potassium Citrate alkalizes urine and prevents kidney stones that may form in an acidic environment. Thanks to the combination of citrate with calcium, it prevents the formation of calcium stones. Calcium and oxalate ions are required for the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones. For crystallization, two ion pairs must come together to form the CaOx salt. Crystallization can only start when the ion pairs in the medium rise above a certain density. The coming together of ion pairs formed above a certain density (nucleation) is the first stage for the formation of stone. However, nucleation is not sufficient for stone formation. The formed nuclei also need to aggregate together. In the end, the stone is formed when aggregates are deposited on top of each other or on other aggregates. However, in citrate media, it can bind in a way that prevents the formation of the CaOx ion pair. This has an inhibitory effect on nucleation and aggregation formation. This binding of citrate inhibits the formation of nucleation and aggregation. Citrate binds to the aggregates that will come together and form the stone, preventing the aggregates from coming together or nucleating on the aggregate and preventing growth. Citrate prevents stone formation by this inhibitory effect.
What are the possible effects when treatment with UROCIT-K is stopped?
No effect is expected to occur when treatment with UROCIT-K is discontinued.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medicines, side effects in people sensitive to the ingredients
of UROCIT-K However, not everyone has them.
If any of the following happens, stop taking UROCIT-K and IMMEDIATELY
Tell your doctor or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital:
Take UROCIT-K if you have severe vomiting, abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding while taking this medicine.
stop immediately and consult your doctor. These symptoms indicate bowel perforation or obstruction
can show. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalization. All of these serious side effects
are very rare.
If you notice any of the following, tell your doctor immediately or contact the
contact the emergency department of the nearest hospital
– Swelling of the mouth, face, lips and tongue
– Shortness of breath
– Itching
– Redness of the skin
If you have these symptoms, you are seriously allergic to UROCIT-K.
If you have any concerns due to an unusual situation during the use of this medicine
tell your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
If you notice any of the following, tell your doctor.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, slow bowel movements and nausea during UROCIT-K treatment
gastrointestinal complaints may be observed. These conditions are due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, the dose
may be reduced by tapering or by taking the tablets with food. Intact in feces
matrix can be encountered. This is a normal situation.
If you experience any side effects not listed in this leaflet,
Inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
In case of any side effect that may or may not be listed in the Instructions for Use
talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You may also experience side effects
Click on the ‘Drug Side Effect Notification’ icon on www.titck.gov.tr or 0 800 314
00 08 side effect notification line by calling the Turkish Pharmacovigilance Center (TÜFAM)
please notify me. The safety of the medication you are taking by reporting any side effects
you will be contributing to more information about the world.
How is UROCIT-K 10 mEq stored?
Keep UROCIT-K out of the sight and reach of children and in its packaging.
Use in accordance with the expiration date.
Store at room temperature below 25°C, in a moisture-free environment, in its own
tightly closed container.
Do not throw away expired or unused medicines! Give it to the collection system specified by the
Ministry of Environment and Urbanization
SOURCES
1. Pak, C. (1987). Citrate and Renal Calculi. Mineral and Electrolyte Metabolism 13, 257-266.
4. Pak, C.Y.C., K. Sakhaee and C. Fuller. (1986). Successful Management of Uric Acid Nephrolithiasis with Potassium Citrate. Kidney International 30, 422-428.
5. Hollander-Rodriguez, J et al. (2006). Hyperkalemia, American Family Physician, Vol. 73/No. 2.
6. Greenberg, A et al. (1998). Hyperkalemia: treatment options. Semen Nephrol. Jan; 18 (1): 46-57.