Everything you need to know about Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate — what it's used for, how to take it, dosage, cost, side effects, and who should avoid it.
Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate is a prescription urinary alkalinizer used to prevent kidney stones and treat metabolic acidosis by making your urine less acidic.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication — or you're trying to understand what it does before an appointment — this guide covers everything you need to know in plain language: what it treats, how to take it, what it costs, and who should avoid it.
Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate is a combination medication in the urinary alkalinizer and minerals/electrolytes drug class. It's available as:
Brand names: Cytra-K, Polycitra-K, Poly-Citra K Crystals, Virtrate-K
Generic: Yes — generic versions are widely available from multiple manufacturers including PAI Pharma, Chartwell RX, and Pharmaceutical Associates.
Controlled substance: No. Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule.
Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate is FDA-approved for several conditions:
Doctors also sometimes prescribe it off-label for:
To understand how the medication actually works in your body, see: How Does Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate Work?
The typical dose is 5–15 mL of the oral solution, four times daily — after each meal and at bedtime. This delivers about 15–30 mEq of potassium citrate per dose.
Important instructions for taking it correctly:
Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your urine pH and blood test results. Follow their instructions exactly, even if they differ from what's written here.
Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate is not safe for everyone. You should not take this medication if you have:
Your doctor will check your kidney function and potassium levels before prescribing. If you take other medications that raise potassium — like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or Spironolactone — make sure your doctor knows, as the combination increases the risk of dangerously high potassium. For a full list, see our drug interactions guide.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed and directed by your doctor.
Common side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting — mostly related to the GI tract. Proper dilution and taking it after meals can help.
The most serious risk is hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which can cause irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and can be life-threatening. Your doctor will monitor your potassium with regular blood tests.
For a complete breakdown, see: Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate Side Effects: What to Expect
Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:
There are no manufacturer savings programs for this generic medication, but discount coupons can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost. For detailed savings strategies, see: How to Save Money on Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate
Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate is a well-established medication that's been used for decades to prevent kidney stones and treat metabolic acidosis. It's affordable (especially with coupons), widely available as a generic, and generally well-tolerated when taken properly.
The main things to remember: dilute it, take it after meals, stay hydrated, and get your potassium levels checked regularly. If you need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with stock.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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