USES: This medication makes the urine less acidic. It is used to treat and prevent the formation of kidney stones and gout.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Polycitra-K
Uses
This medication makes the urine less acidic. It is used to treat and prevent the formation of kidney stones and gout. Notes
- While taking this medication, it may be necessary for you to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special paper.
- The pH will help determine the proper dose.
Storage
- The crystals should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 TO 30 degrees C).
How
To Use - This medication must be diluted in water before drinking to prevent stomach upset.
- Take the prescribed dose and dilute it in at least 1/2 glass of water.
- Stir to mix and drink.
- Following with additional water.
- This is usually taken after meals and at bedtime.
- Take this medication as prescribed.
- Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval.
Side
Effects - Notify your doctor if you develop diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, fluid retention, convulsions, unusual weakness, mental confusion, or tingling or numbness of the hands or feet while taking this medication.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, Addison's disease, high blood pressure or any allergies.
- Be sure your doctor knows if you are on a sodium (salt) restricted diet since this medication contains sodium.
- This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including lithium, chlorpropamide, methotrexate, aspirin, water pills, heart or blood medication, methenamine or tetracyclines (including doxycycline and minocycline).
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |