K-Oxa Tablets

Product Description

Product Name: K-Oxa Tablets

Product Form: Tablets

Pack Size: 30's

Manufactured By: English Pharmaceuticals 

Used For:

Potassium citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid that is used to treat or prevent low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) and to manage certain types of kidney stones. It works by increasing potassium levels in the blood and helping to alkalinize (raise the pH of) urine.

Common uses include:

1. Hypokalemia (Low Potassium Levels): Potassium citrate is used to treat or prevent potassium deficiencies that can result from conditions like diarrhea, certain medications (e.g., diuretics), or illnesses that cause potassium loss.
2. Prevention of Kidney Stones: It is often prescribed to help prevent certain types of kidney stones, particularly uric acid and calcium oxalate stones, by making the urine less acidic, which helps reduce stone formation.
3. Urinary Alkalinization: In conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or gout, potassium citrate may be used to alkalinize the urine to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals or reduce pain associated with acidic urine.

Side Effects:

While potassium citrate is generally safe when taken as prescribed, it can cause side effects, especially if taken in large amounts. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal issues:
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach upset or discomfort
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal bloating or cramping
  • Flatulence (gas)
• More serious side effects (though rare):
  • Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels): This is the most significant risk associated with potassium supplements. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, numbness or tingling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
  • Kidney problems: If you have kidney disease or impaired kidney function, potassium citrate can be dangerous, as it can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in the blood.
  • Heart rhythm disturbances: Elevated potassium levels can cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which may be life-threatening.

Precautions:

Before taking potassium citrate, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any of the following:

• Kidney disease: People with kidney problems should use potassium citrate cautiously, as impaired kidney function can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
• Heart disease: If you have a history of heart disease, particularly arrhythmias, monitor your potassium levels carefully, as high potassium levels can affect heart rhythms.
• Medications: Potassium citrate may interact with certain medications, including:
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride), which can increase potassium levels.
  • ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan, valsartan), which can also increase potassium levels.
  • Other potassium supplements: Taking multiple sources of potassium can lead to hyperkalemia.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can also affect kidney function and potassium levels.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Potassium citrate is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking it.