R24

Relief of menopausal symptoms eg hot flushes, sweating, sleeping disorders, nervousness in case of ovarian insufficiency. Neurovegetative complaints in premenstrual bleeding & in case of dysmenorrhea.

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) with calcium stones

Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate is indicated for the management of renal tubular acidosis.

Hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis of any etiology

Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate is indicated for the management of Hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones

Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate is indicated for the management of Uric acid lithiasis with or without calcium stones.

constipation

Potassium Carbonate (R24) is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

Potassium Carbonate (R24) citrate is used to treat a kidney stone condition called renal tubular acidosis.

Potassium Carbonate (R24) citrate may also be used for other purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Dosing Instructions

Treatment with extended release Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate should be added to a regimen that limits salt intake (avoidance of foods with high salt content and of added salt at the table) and encourages high fluid intake (urine volume should be at least two liters per day). The objective of treatment with Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate extended-release tablets is to provide Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate in sufficient dosage to restore normal urinary citrate (greater than 320 mg/day and as close to the normal mean of 640 mg/day as possible), and to increase urinary pH to a level of 6 or 7.

Monitor serum electrolytes (sodium, Potassium Carbonate (R24), chloride and carbon dioxide), serum creatinine and complete blood counts every four months and more frequently in patients with cardiac disease, renal disease or acidosis. Perform electrocardiograms periodically. Treatment should be discontinued if there is hyperkalemia, a significant rise in serum creatinine or a significant fall in blood hemocrit or hemoglobin.

Severe Hypocitraturia

In patients with severe hypocitraturia (urinary citrate < 150 mg/day), therapy should be initiated at a dosage of 60 mEq/day (30 mEq two times/day or 20 mEq three times/day with meals or within 30 minutes after meals or bedtime snack). Twenty-four hour urinary citrate and/or urinary pH measurements should be used to determine the adequacy of the initial dosage and to evaluate the effectiveness of any dosage change. In addition, urinary citrate and/or pH should be measured every four months. Doses of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate extended-release tablets greater than 100 mEq/day have not been studied and should be avoided.

Mild to Moderate Hypocitraturia

In patients with mild to moderate hypocitraturia (urinary citrate > 150 mg/day) therapy should be initiated at 30 mEq/day (15 mEq two times/day or 10 mEq three times/day with meals or within 30 minutes after meals or bedtime snack). Twenty-four hour urinary citrate and/or urinary pH measurements should be used to determine the adequacy of the initial dosage and to evaluate the effectiveness of any dosage change. Doses of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate extended-release tablet greater than 100 mEq/day have not been studied and should be avoided.

Pregnancy & lactation.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Potassium Carbonate (R24)?

Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate extended-release tablets are contraindicated:

• In patients with hyperkalemia (or who have conditions pre-disposing them to hyperkalemia), as a further rise in serum Potassium Carbonate (R24) concentration may produce cardiac arrest. Such conditions include: chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, extensive tissue breakdown or the administration of a Potassium Carbonate (R24)-sparing agent (such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride).
• In patients in whom there is cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract, such as those suffering from delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, intestinal obstruction or stricture, or those taking anticholinergic medication.
• In patients with peptic ulcer disease because of its ulcerogenic potential.
• In patients with active urinary tract infection (with either urea-splitting or other organisms, in association with either calcium or struvite stones). The ability of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate extended-release tablet to increase urinary citrate may be attenuated by bacterial enzymatic degradation of citrate. Moreover, the rise in urinary pH resulting from Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate extended-release tablet therapy might promote further bacterial growth.
• In patients with renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 0.7 ml/kg/min), because of the danger of soft tissue calcification and increased risk for the development of hyperkalemia.

This medication is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of Potassium Carbonate (R24) in the blood. A normal level of Potassium Carbonate (R24) in the blood is important. Potassium Carbonate (R24) helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Most people get enough Potassium Carbonate (R24) by eating a well-balanced diet. Some conditions that can lower your body's Potassium Carbonate (R24) level include severe prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormone problems such as hyperaldosteronism, or treatment with "water pills"/diuretics.

How to use Potassium Carbonate (R24)

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times daily. To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with a meal. Dissolve the prescribed number of tablets in at least 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of cold water or juice per tablet. After the tablets are fully dissolved, sip the liquid slowly over 5 to 10 minutes. If you have upset stomach, mixing your dose in a larger amount of liquid may help.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if you have symptoms of low Potassium Carbonate (R24) in the blood (such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness/cramps).

See also:
What other drugs will affect Potassium Carbonate (R24)?

Aliskiren: Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Aliskiren. Monitor therapy

Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Indirect-Acting): Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Indirect-Acting). Monitor therapy

Aluminum Hydroxide: Citric Acid Derivatives may increase the absorption of Aluminum Hydroxide. Monitor therapy

Amantadine: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Amantadine. Monitor therapy

Amphetamines: Alkalinizing Agents may decrease the excretion of Amphetamines. Management: Consider alternatives to using amphetamines and alkalinizing agents in combination. If these agents must be used together, patients should be monitored closely for excessive amphetamine effects. Consider therapy modification

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Monitor therapy

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Monitor therapy

Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Citrate. Avoid combination

Drospirenone: Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Drospirenone. Monitor therapy

Eplerenone: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts. Management: This combination is contraindicated in patients receiving eplerenone for treatment of hypertension. Consider therapy modification

Heparin: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts. Monitor therapy

Heparins (Low Molecular Weight): May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts. Monitor therapy

Mecamylamine: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Mecamylamine. Monitor therapy

Memantine: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Memantine. Monitor therapy

Nicorandil: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts. Monitor therapy

Potassium Carbonate (R24)-Sparing Diuretics: Potassium Carbonate (R24) Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Carbonate (R24)-Sparing Diuretics. Management: Avoid coadministration of a Potassium Carbonate (R24)-sparing diuretic and a Potassium Carbonate (R24) salt. This combination should only be used in cases of significant hypokalemia, and only if serum Potassium Carbonate (R24) can be closely monitored. Consider therapy modification

QuiNINE: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of QuiNINE. Monitor therapy

Very rarely, skin rash, pruritus & GI disorders.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Potassium Carbonate (R24)?

Applies to Potassium Carbonate (R24) citrate: oral patch extended release, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

As well as its needed effects, Potassium Carbonate (R24) citrate may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking Potassium Carbonate (R24) citrate, check with your doctor immediately:

Incidence not known:

• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking Potassium Carbonate (R24) citrate, get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• confusion
• difficult breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• shortness of breath
• weakness or heaviness of the legs

Potassium Carbonate (R24) is the major cation (positive ion) inside animal cells, while sodium is the major cation outside animal cells. The concentration differences of these charged particles causes a difference in electric potential between the inside and outside of cells, known as the membrane potential. The balance between Potassium Carbonate (R24) and sodium is maintained by ion pumps in the cell membrane. The cell membrane potential created by Potassium Carbonate (R24) and sodium ions allows the cell generate an action potential—a "spike" of electrical discharge. The ability of cells to produce electrical discharge is critical for body functions such as neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and heart function. Potassium Carbonate (R24) is also an essential mineral needed to regulate water balance, blood pressure and levels of acidity.