Your doctor may have prescribed you a liquid medicine. When you look at the bottle, you may see names like Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, and Citric Acid. You may be a little curious, maybe even nervous, about what these are, what they are for, and how exactly to use them. That's very normal. Don't worry, today we'll talk about this medicine in a simple way, seeking answers to the questions you have in mind.
Why is the doctor giving you this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine works by reducing the acidity in your body or urine. Just think, sometimes the acid level in our body can increase more than necessary. When that happens, a variety of health problems can arise. This medicine works by reducing that increased acidity and restoring balance in the body.
Doctors mainly prescribe this medicine in several situations:
- To prevent and treat high levels of acid in the body: Some medical conditions or other medications can cause high levels of acid in the body. This medicine helps to control this condition.
- For Gout: As many people know, this is a painful condition that affects the joints. The cause of this is an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood. This medicine reduces the acidity of the urine, making it easier for the uric acid to be eliminated from the body.
- Prevents the formation of kidney stones: Some types of kidney stones are formed due to the high acidity of the urine. This medicine helps to reduce the acidity of the urine (i.e., make it alkaline) and prevent the formation of such stones.
That is, it works like a 'tuner' that adjusts the acid-base balance in our body.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
As with any medication prescribed to you, it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history before using this medication. This is because it can be dangerous for someone with certain medical conditions to take this medication. See the table below. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Do you have this condition? | Why is it important to inform the doctor about this? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease or difficulty urinating | The potassium and sodium in this medicine are removed from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not working properly, they can accumulate in the body and be dangerous. |
| Heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Changes in potassium and sodium levels in the body can directly affect heart function, so people with heart disease should be especially careful. |
| Addison's disease | This is a hormonal condition where the body's potassium levels are high. Taking this medication can increase it even more. |
| If the potassium level in the blood is elevated | Because this medicine contains potassium, giving it to someone who already has high potassium levels may affect the heart rate. |
| If the body is dehydrated | If you are dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, taking this medicine may further disrupt the balance of salt levels. |
| If you are on a low-sodium diet | Since this medicine contains sodium, anyone who is controlling their salt intake due to reasons such as high blood pressure should inform their doctor. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during these times. |
| If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is very important to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine or anything else. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, it is very important to know exactly how to use it.
- Shake well: Shake the bottle well before use to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Take with water: Pour the amount of medicine prescribed by your doctor into a glass of water , stir well, and drink. This will reduce any stomach discomfort.
- Correct measurement: Do not measure medicine with household teaspoons or measuring spoons. They are not accurate. Use only the special measuring cup, spoon, or dropper that comes with the medicine. If you do not have one, ask your doctor about it.
- After meals: It is best to take this medicine with or after a meal .
- Take it on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Don't stop: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medicines that are incompatible with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking, as some medications can interact with this medicine and cause side effects.
| Drug type | Possible problem |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| Types of Antacids | Some antacids taken for stomach inflammation and gastritis can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine. |
| Drugs like Eplerenone, Sodium polystyrene sulfonate | These are specific medications that affect potassium levels in the body, and taking them together can cause severe side effects. |
| Be careful when taking these with you. | |
| Some diuretics (e.g. Spironolactone, Triamterene) | These are called "potassium-sparing" diuretics. Taking these medications together can cause dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood. |
| Some medications for high blood pressure (e.g. Enalapril, Lisinopril) | These medications can also increase potassium levels in the body, so close monitoring by a doctor is necessary. |
| Potassium supplements and salt substitutes | Tell your doctor if you are taking potassium pills or using certain salt substitutes. They may also contain potassium. |
Things you should be careful about when taking medication
- Medical tests: While taking this medicine, your doctor will order blood tests (blood work) at regular intervals. These will check your kidney function and the levels of potassium, sodium, and acid in your blood.
- Food and fluids: Your doctor may advise you to follow a special diet and ask about the amount of water you should drink per day.
- Beware of dehydration: This is very important.
Remember! If you have severe nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can be dangerous if you become dehydrated.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Most of the time, they are not serious. But there are some things we need to be aware of.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of high potassium levels | Muscle weakness, abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Symptoms of high sodium levels | Confusion, excessive thirst, muscle weakness or twitching, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Diarrhea (stomach ache) | Nausea and vomiting |
| Stomach pain | Headache and dizziness |
How do you store medicine properly?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from excessive heat and freezing temperatures.
- Keep the bottle cap tightly closed after use.
- Discard after expiration.
This information sheet is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right amount, at the right time.
- Do not measure medicine with the teaspoons you have at home. Use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine.
- Drinking this after meals with a glass of water can help reduce stomach upset.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.
- If you experience anything serious, such as skin rash, difficulty breathing, or changes in your heartbeat, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
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