Drug Notes

Urinary alkalinizer (By mouth)

Treats and prevents kidney stones by lowering the amount of acid in urine. May be used with other medicines to treat gout.

Brand Name(s):

Cytra-2, Cytra-3, Cytra-K, Oracit, Urocit-K, Urocit-K 10, Urocit-K 5, Virtrate-2, Virtrate-3, Virtrate-K

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Powder, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine right after a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal or bedtime snack.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablet. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Let your doctor know if you have any trouble swallowing the tablet. Call your doctor right away if it feels like the tablet is stuck in your throat.
• Dilute the liquid medicine in a glass of water or juice before you drink it.
• Mix the powder (crystal) medicine with at least 6 ounces of cool water or juice. Stir the mixture well and drink right away.
• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, wait until your next meal or snack to take the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The liquid medicine may be kept in the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to lower your blood pressure. Some blood pressure medicines are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Zestoretic®, and Zestril®. Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene or Aldactone®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), antacids, or medicines that have potassium in it.
• Ask your doctor before you use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a bladder obstruction, or if you cannot urinate properly. Your doctor will need to know if you have a history of high blood pressure, Toxemia of pregnancy, heart disease, or fluid retention (edema).
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in your stools or urine.
• Bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Irritability, muscle twitching, or muscle cramps.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Upset stomach.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017