Citrate, PotassiumDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats and Dogs.

Potassium citrate; an alkalinizing agent used to help prevent calcium oxalate urinary stone formation. Potassium citrate (Urocit-K®) has been used to increase urine pH to make conditions less favorable for the formation of calcium oxalate and uric acid uroliths. Compounds containing potassium (eg, potassium citrate) can also be used for treatment of hypokalemia. As a bicarbonate precursor, potassium citrate may help inhibit the increased activity of osteoclasts and improve bone health in patien

Citrate salts are oxidized in the liver to form bicarbonate, thereby acting as systemic and urinary alkalinizing agents. Specifically, metabolism of absorbed citrate produces an alkaline load, increasing urinary pH, and raises urinary citrate by affecting citrate clearance.

Contraindications for products containing potassium citrate include aluminum toxicity, severe myocardial damage, severe renal impairment, hyperkalemia, acute kidney injury (with azotemia or oliguria), and calcium or struvite uroliths associated with an active UTI. Ad- ditional contraindications for potassium citrate include conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (eg, adrenal insufficiency, acute dehydration, advanced kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).

The primary adverse effects noted with potassium citrate products are GI in nature (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Potassium citrate products have the potential to cause hyperkalemia, especially in animals predisposed to developing hyperkalemia (eg, adrenal insufficiency, acute dehydration, advanced kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).

Depending on patient’s condition, product chosen, and reason for use: ■ Serum potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride: Dogs: Monitor serum potassium and bicarbonate concentrations every 7 to 14 days to establish the final maintenance dosage when used as potassium supplement and urinary…