Potassium Citrate
Potassium Citrate and Citric Acid, Citric acid is a common metabolite of plants and animals that is part of the Krebs cycle.
It is a polyprotic alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that differs structurally from glycolic and lactic acids, which contain only 1 carboxylic acid functional group.[1]
It is triprotic, with 3 pKas, making it a prime buffer component. In addition, it is anti-osteoclastogenic.
What is citric acid and potassium citrate?
Citric acid is a common metabolite of plants and animals. It is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Kreb’s cycle) and has a number of important metabolic roles in the body, including regulation of insulin secretion, maintenance of the water balance, and energy production in muscle cells. It also has a number of cosmetic uses, including as a chelating agent, pH adjuster, and fragrance ingredient.
It is produced by fermentation of sugars, primarily molasses. This process produces a high concentration of isocitric acid, which can be crystallized into citrate salts. These salts have many applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as in other areas of industry such as paint and adhesives.[2]
Some of the isocitric acid can be converted into citric acid through various enzymes, most notably a citric acid dehydratase. Other isocitric acid-producing enzymes include cyclopropase and citrate synthase.
The most effective way to produce the acid is through microbial fermentation, with a high-level of enzyme activity. Most of the world’s citric acid output is produced by these processes.
Several different citrates are used as anti-microbial agents in medicine, as a disinfectant, and in other industrial settings. The majority of citrates are derived from the same molecule, but they have different chemical and physical properties.
For example, citric acid is more soluble in water than sodium citrate. This allows it to dissolve quickly and evenly in the body’s fluids, which can be especially useful in reducing bacterial growth.
Another major benefit of citric acid is that it increases the amount of cell renewal and epidermal thickness in the skin. This increased skin thickness can improve the appearance of the skin and decrease wrinkles.
However, citric acid is not a good choice for people who have trouble breathing because it can cause irritation of the lungs and larynx. It can also cause coughing, which can lead to bronchospasm.[3]
This can be particularly dangerous if the lungs are already damaged or diseased, such as from asthma. Citric acid is also not a good choice for people who are pregnant, because it may increase the risk of having a baby with a low birth weight. It can also cause problems for the baby if it is born prematurely because it can cause complications such as brain damage.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Potassium citrate and citric acid are medications that make your urine less acidic. They are used to lower blood pressure, treat gout and certain types of kidney stones (urate), and to help prevent metabolic problems associated with some kinds of kidney disease.
They are also used to help regulate your body’s sodium and potassium levels. These medications are called urinary alkalinizers and can be prescribed by your doctor.
In order to use potassium citrate, you need to get a baseline serum potassium level and have your doctor draw 24 hour urine samples before starting the medication. It’s important to keep your serum potassium low while you’re taking the medicine, because too much potassium can cause kidney damage or even death.[4]
To ensure that you don’t miss a dose, always take it as soon as you remember. If you forget, skip the missed dose and go back to taking your usual dose at your normal time.
Before you start the medication, your doctor will need to prescribe a special potassium citrate and test your urine for uric acid and a 24 hour urinary citrate level. If your urine is too low, you will need to increase your potassium intake by eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water.
If you have high uric acid, your doctor may suggest a different medication that works better for you. Your doctor may also want to check your blood work and urine tests more frequently.
Some doctors recommend a small amount of potassium citrate (usually 1-3 tablets over the counter) to make your urine less acidic. This is usually enough to raise your urinary pH back up to 7.5.
It can also be used with a low-salt diet to help control uric acid levels. This medication is sometimes prescribed for a long period of time, so it’s important to get your doctor’s advice before taking it.
Some people may experience a mild or severe allergic reaction to potassium citrate and some of its salts or esters. Symptoms may include itching, skin redness, rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. Some of these reactions are not serious and will pass with time. If you have any symptoms, contact your doctor right away.[5]
What happens if I overdose?
A large dose of this tacky reddish powdered drink spruced up by the addition of water, may not be the most pleasant of experiences. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and flushed skin accompanied by a raging fever. This may be the best time to call for help or check out the Poison Control Center. It’s also a good idea to keep a photocopied list of all your medications in one place. Medications dispensed in other countries are subject to their own set of rules and regulations, so be sure you understand all of them before jumping ship.
Where can I get more information?
Citric acid and some of its salts and esters are found in many cosmetic products. They are used as a chelating agent, pH adjuster, or fragrance ingredient. They can be added to skin or body care products, such as soaps and lotions, or to bath products, such as bath gels.
They may also be used in shampoos, hair conditioners, and other skin care products. They can be used at concentrations of up to 39% in bath products or 4% in leave-on skin care products.
Some of these ingredients can cause irritation or sensitization in some people. They should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.[6]
Potassium citrate and some of its salts are commonly used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral care products. They are also used in some skin care products, such as face creams and eye shadows.
If you are taking potassium citrate or some of its salts and esters, you should ask your doctor about the side effects that may occur. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea. They may also lead to stomach upset or a dry, itchy mouth.
Some of the salts and esters can cause respiratory tract irritation, such as a cough reflex. These side effects are most common in people who use the products in large quantities or who have respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
However, some people who use potassium citrate or some of its salts or esters may have no or mild reactions to the ingredient. They should be careful to follow the directions on the product label.
In some cases, potassium citrate can be a helpful supplement for people who have polycystic kidney disease. It can help lower blood pressure, increase bone density, and reduce recurrent kidney stone formation.
It can also be used as a preventive treatment for uric acid stones. It can decrease urinary excretion of uric acid and urea and increase urine potassium levels.
In addition, potassium citrate can be used as a diuretic to treat high sodium levels in the blood. It can also be used to control fluid retention in people with heart failure or other problems that cause swelling of the legs, arms, or feet.
Potassium Citrate and Citric Acid
Potassium citrate and citric acid is a medication used to make urine less acidic. It is also used to prevent gout or kidney stones, or to treat metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems.[7]
Citric acid is a polyprotic alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with 3 carboxylic acid functional groups instead of 1. It has various reported functions as pH adjuster, chelating agent, fragrance ingredient, and skin-conditioning agent.
What is this medication?
This medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from losing too much potassium. It is used to treat conditions such as edema, hypertension, and kidney disease.
It can also be used to help control high blood pressure in people with diabetes or heart disease. It is also used to treat kidney stones.
Your doctor may prescribe this medication with other medications to treat these conditions. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should not be used with certain medications, such as amiloride or spironolactone. This medication can cause serious side effects, such as muscle twitching or cramps. You should avoid taking this medication if you have a history of seizures or severe depression.
To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, your doctor will want to check your potassium level often. You should drink plenty of liquids while taking this medication to keep your body hydrated.
You should avoid taking this medicine if you have a history of kidney disease or diabetes. It can also increase your blood sugar levels and make it hard for you to control your diabetes. It is also dangerous to take this medication if you are severely dehydrated or have heat cramps.
This medication can interact with antacids, including those that contain aluminum or sodium. You should avoid antacids, such as those made from household baking soda, while you are taking this medication.
This medication is a combination of two different drugs: triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. It is a potassium-sparing diuretic that helps your body lose water and salt more slowly than usual. It is used to treat high blood pressure or edema, and it can increase your potassium levels.[8]
How should I use this medication?
Citric acid and sodium citrate are alkalinizing agents that make your urine less acidic (acidosis). They are used to prevent gout or kidney stones, as well as to reduce metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems.
You should not take this medication if you have kidney failure, severe heart disease, or if you have high blood pressure or heart failure. This is a prescription only drug, and you should consult with your doctor before using it. You should also keep in mind that some other medications may interact with this drug, so be sure to check your blood work before and after treatment with it.
Taking this medicine along with antacids that contain aluminum can lead to an electrolyte imbalance and possibly aluminum toxicity, so be sure to read the label carefully before taking the big bottle of soda. The best results come from following your doctor’s prescription closely. This is a worthwhile investment in your health, and you should reap the rewards for years to come.
The big question is: Are you ready to get started on this smart medication?
What if I miss a dose?
Potassium citrate and citric acid are used to prevent gout or kidney stones, or to treat metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). The medicine may cause side effects such as muscle twitching, swelling (edema), heat cramps, weakness, or changes in mood. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor.
Citric acid is a polyprotic acid that differs from other AHAs by having 3 carboxylic acid functional groups rather than 1. It has a pKa of 3.1 and is considered a weak acid. It is a good buffer component because it is less sensitive to acidic conditions than glycolic or lactic acids.
This drug may interact with antacids that contain aluminum or sodium. If you take an antacid with this medication, you may get serious electrolyte imbalance or aluminum toxicity. Your doctor will tell you how to use an antacid and which antacids are safe.
This medication should be taken after meals, usually with a glass of water or juice. Do not use this medicine with other medicines that make your urine acidic, such as hydrochlorothiazide or triamterene.[9]
What may interact with this medication?
The combination of potassium citrate and citric acid helps make your urine less acidic. It is used to prevent gout or kidney stones, or to treat metabolic acidosis due to high levels of uric acid in the urine (hyperkalemia).
This medication can be dangerous if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of a heart attack, urinary problems, swelling (edema), chronic diarrhea, heat cramps, or Addisons disease. It can also cause a serious electrolyte imbalance or aluminum toxicity.
To prevent these effects, take this medication with plenty of water and juice or antacids that contain no aluminum. Your doctor will tell you which antacids to avoid and when to use them.
Serious side effects of this medication include muscle twitching, cramps, weakness, swelling or weight gain, changes in mood, rapid and shallow breathing, fast heart rate, restless feeling, black or bloody stools, severe diarrhea, or seizure (convulsions). If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away. Your doctor will prescribe a new medication to treat your condition.
Where should I keep my medication?
Citric acid and potassium citrate are used to treat gout or kidney stones (kidney abscesses). They help make your urine less acidic, which is important for the treatment of these conditions. These medications also may be used with certain other drugs to promote weight loss. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, urinary problems, swelling (edema), or chronic diarrhea. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medication.[10]
Your doctor should also know if you are taking any other medicines, including potassium supplements or salt substitutes, a diuretic (water pill), or drugs to increase white blood cell counts, such as aspirin, epinephrine, corticosteroids, chloroform, and triamterene.
