Kajos (Potassium Citrate)

Kajos (potassium citrate) is used to address electrolyte imbalances and urinary pH disorders.

• Hypokalemia: restores low serum potassium levels and supports normal muscle and nerve function.
• Renal tubular acidosis: provides an alkalinizing effect that corrects systemic acid‑base disturbances.
• Kidney stone prevention: increases urinary citrate, reducing calcium stone formation.
• Urinary alkalinization: raises urine pH to aid in the dissolution of certain stone types and improve drug excretion.

• Potassium citrate dissociates after oral absorption, delivering potassium ions that replenish extracellular potassium stores and citrate anions that are metabolized to bicarbonate. The resulting increase in systemic potassium corrects hypokalemia, while the generated bicarbonate exerts an alkalinizing effect on urine, raising urinary pH and increasing citrate concentration, which inhibits calcium stone crystallization.

Potassium citrate may cause adverse reactions, most of which are related to its gastrointestinal activity or electrolyte shifts.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset after ingestion.
• Abdominal discomfort: cramping or pain in the upper abdomen.
• Diarrhea or loose stools: increased bowel movements.
• Flatulence: excess gas production.
• Taste alteration: metallic or salty taste perception.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hyperkalemia: dangerously high serum potassium, especially in renal impairment.
• Metabolic alkalosis: excessive rise in blood pH.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Acute kidney injury: rare worsening of renal function.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: irregular heartbeats linked to electrolyte imbalance.

When using potassium citrate, several safety considerations should be observed.

• Serum potassium monitoring: check levels regularly, especially in patients with renal disease.
• Renal impairment adjustment: dose may need reduction in reduced kidney function.
• Hyperkalemia avoidance: do not use in patients with existing high potassium.
• Concomitant ACE inhibitor/ARB use: monitor closely for additive potassium increase.
• Discontinue if symptoms of hyperkalemia appear: such as muscle weakness or palpitations.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Potassium citrate can interact with other medicines that affect potassium balance or renal function.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may cause additive hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): increase risk of high potassium.
• Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole: can raise serum potassium levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Digoxin: elevated potassium can reduce digoxin toxicity but requires monitoring.
• Lithium: altered renal clearance may affect lithium levels.