Potassium Citrate
Potassium Citrate
Snapshot
Potassium Citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid that supports alkalinization of urine, kidney stone prevention, and electrolyte balance.
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What is Potassium Citrate?
Potassium Citrate (KโCโHโ Oโ) dissociates into potassium ions and citrate anions, which increase urinary pH and citrate concentration, reducing urinary supersaturation of calcium salts.
Where It Comes From
Pharmaceuticalโgrade Potassium Citrate is synthesized by neutralizing citric acid with potassium hydroxide, followed by crystallization and drying into a fine, white powder or tablet form.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Delivers potassium for electrolyte homeostasis and citrate, a key inhibitor of calcium crystallization in the urinary tract, promoting urine alkalinization.
Health Benefits
Potassium Citrate prevents kidney stone formation, especially calcium oxalate stones; treats metabolic acidosis; and helps maintain systemic acidโbase balance while supplying essential potassium.
Recommended Dosage
Typical doses range from 10 to 30โฏmEq of potassium citrate (approx. 1โ3โฏg) taken two to three times daily with meals; dosing adjusted based on urinary pH and physician guidance.
How to Use It
Take tablets or powder dissolved in water or juice with meals to improve gastrointestinal tolerance; monitor urine pH (target 6.5โ7.0) to guide dosing.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals with recurrent calcium kidney stones, metabolic acidosis, or low urinary citrate levels; use under nephrology or urology specialist supervision.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Use caution in hyperkalemia or renal impairment; avoid concomitant use with potassiumโsparing diuretics; monitor serum potassium levels regularly.
Final Thoughts
Potassium Citrate is an effective intervention for stone prevention and acidโbase management, combining electrolyte replenishment with urinary alkalinization.
Scientific Studies
Preminger GM, et al. Potassium citrate therapy in recurrent stone formers: reduced supersaturation and stone formation. J Urol. 1990;143(3):376โ379. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(17)38418-3
Tiselius HG, et al. Role of citrate in urine stone disease. Kidney Int. 2003;64(6):2262โ2267. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1755.2003.00230.x
Barcelo P, et al. Longโterm treatment with potassium citrate in recurrent stone formers. J Urol. 1993;149(6):1537โ1540. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(17)36467-4