Citrate Salts (Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid)
Also known as: Nutrived, Urocit-K, Citrolith, Polycitra, Oracit, Bicitra, Cytra, Naturalyte
> **Important**: Do not crush or allow your pet to chew extended-release tablets, as this can cause rapid release of the medication and stomach irritation. - **Administration**: Give this medication with or immediately after meals to minimize stomach upset. If using granules or liquid, mix well with food. - **Hydration**: Ensure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh drinking water. - **Monitoring**: Your veterinarian will likely need to check your pet's urine pH and blood work (especially potassium levels) regularly to ensure the dose is correct and safe. - **Side Effects**: Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or changes in urination.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive therapy to inhibit calcium oxalate formation
- Decrease possibility of calcium oxalate stone formation (Nutrived Potassium Citrate Granules)
- Adjunctive therapy to inhibit calcium oxalate formation
- Adjunctive therapy of chronic renal failure as a potassium supplement and alkalinizing agent
- Significantly acidemic chronic renal failure
- Hypokalemic chronic renal failure
- Adjunctive therapy to inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation (hypocitraturia)
- Adjunctive therapy to inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation
- Decrease possibility of calcium oxalate stone formation (Nutrived Potassium Citrate Granules)
- Persistent calcium oxalate crystalluria/uroliths (after diet and hydrochlorothiazide)
- Adjunctive therapy of chronic renal failure as a potassium supplement and alkalinizing agent
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Hyperkalemia (specifically with potassium citrate)
- Fluid retention (specifically with sodium citrate)
- Metabolic alkalosis (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Heart failure
- Severe renal impairment (with azotemia or oliguria)
- Urinary tract infections (UTI) associated with calcium or struvite stones
- Aluminum toxicity
- Hyperkalemia or conditions predisposing to it (adrenal insufficiency, acute dehydration, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) - for potassium citrate
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, or intestinal obstruction (specifically for tablet formulations)
- Use with caution (weigh risks vs. benefits) in severe renal tubular acidosis or chronic diarrheal syndromes as they may be ineffective. Sodium citrate products should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart disease due to sodium load. Monitor serum potassium levels closely when using potassium citrate, especially in patients with renal insufficiency.
Drug interactions
- Amphetamines: Alkalinized urine can decrease excretion, potentially increasing toxicity.
- Pseudoephedrine / Ephedrine: Alkalinized urine can decrease excretion.
- Antacids: May cause systemic alkalosis. Aluminum-containing antacids may cause aluminum toxicity, especially in renal insufficiency. Sodium bicarbonate combinations may cause hypernatremia.
- Aspirin (Salicylates): Alkalinized urine can increase the excretion of salicylates, decreasing their efficacy.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin): Solubility is decreased in an alkaline environment; monitor for signs of crystalluria.
- Lithium: Alkalinized urine can decrease excretion.
- Methenamine: Concurrent use is not recommended as methenamine requires an acidic urine for efficacy.
- Quinidine: Alkalinized urine can decrease excretion.
- Tetracyclines: Alkalinized urine can decrease excretion.
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril): May lead to increases in serum potassium levels (hyperkalemia) when used with potassium citrate.
Frequently asked questions
What is Citrate Salts (Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid) used for in pets?
> **Important**: Do not crush or allow your pet to chew extended-release tablets, as this can cause rapid release of the medication and stomach irritation. - **Administration**: Give this medication with or immediately after meals to minimize stomach upset. If using granules or liquid, mix well with food. - **Hydration**: Ensure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh drinking water. - **Monitoring**: Your veterinarian will likely need to check your pet's urine pH and blood work (especially potassium levels) regularly to ensure the dose is correct and safe. - **Side Effects**: Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or changes in urination.
Is Citrate Salts (Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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