Kacital (Potassium Citrate)

Potassium Citrate is used as a urinary alkalinizer to modify urinary chemistry and correct systemic acid‑base disturbances.

• Prevention of calcium kidney stones: raises urinary pH to reduce crystal formation and recurrence.
• Treatment of metabolic acidosis: provides citrate that is metabolized to bicarbonate, correcting systemic acid excess.
• Urinary alkalinization: adjusts urine pH for clinical situations such as certain infections or drug toxicity management.

• Potassium Citrate dissociates after oral absorption, delivering potassium and citrate ions. Citrate is metabolized in the liver to bicarbonate, which buffers systemic acids and elevates urinary pH. The added potassium replaces urinary losses, while the increased bicarbonate load corrects metabolic acidosis and creates an alkaline urinary environment that discourages calcium stone formation.

Potassium Citrate may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: mild stomach upset or cramping.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness after ingestion.
• Vomiting: expulsion of stomach contents.
• Diarrhea: loose stools occurring after dosing.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hyperkalemia: elevated serum potassium that can affect heart rhythm.
• Metabolic alkalosis: excessive rise in blood pH.
• Paradoxical stone formation: rare cases of stone growth despite therapy.
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): rapid onset of breathing difficulty, rash, and swelling.

Before initiating therapy with Potassium Citrate, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess renal function: adjust use in patients with impaired kidney clearance.
• Monitor serum potassium: avoid hyperkalemia, especially in those on potassium‑sparing agents.
• Check acid‑base status: prevent over‑correction of metabolic acidosis.
• Use with caution in hypertension: excess potassium may affect blood pressure control.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity to potassium citrate.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Potassium Citrate can interact with several medications; awareness of the interaction level guides clinical decisions.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• ACE inhibitors: increased risk of hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics: additive potassium elevation.
• Sodium bicarbonate: potential for excessive alkalinization.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: may impair renal potassium handling.
• Lithium: altered renal clearance leading to toxicity.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: may affect citrate absorption.