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Potassium Citrate

Prescription
Urinary alkalinizer / Antilithic agent
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
4 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Metabolized to bicarbonate, alkalinizing urine and increasing urinary citrate; citrate complexes with calcium, reducing calcium oxalate stone formation; alkaline urine also helps dissolve urate stones

At a glance

Class
Urinary alkalinizer / Antilithic agent
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention, urate stone management, metabolic acidosis
Dose
50–150 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID (with food)
Max dose
500 mg/dose; 1500 mg/day
Duration: Long-term for stone prevention
🐈

Cat

Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention
Dose
40–75 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID (with food)
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 750 mg/day
Duration: Long-term for stone prevention

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
540mg (5mEq K+)
Available in India
🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength
1100mg/5mL
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Hyperkalemia
    Potassium content may worsen hyperkalemia

Use with caution

  • Struvite urolithiasis
    Alkalinization promotes struvite formation
  • Concurrent potassium-sparing drugs
    Hyperkalemia risk

Adverse effects

Common
GI upset
Nausea
Serious
Hyperkalemia
Metabolic alkalosis

Monitoring parameters

Urine pH (target 6.5–7.5)Serum potassiumUrinalysis and imaging for stonesRenal function

Interactions

Major — 1

Spironolactone
major
Spironolactone (potassium-sparing diuretic) + potassium supplementation: high risk of dangerous hyperkalemia.
Management: Avoid concurrent potassium supplementation. If potassium needed, monitor levels every 3-5 days. Discontinue supplement if K+ >5.5 mEq/L.

Moderate — 3

Benazepril
moderate
ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone (potassium-retaining). Adding potassium supplementation increases hyperkalemia risk.
Management: Monitor serum potassium at 3-5 days. Reduce supplement if K+ >5.5 mEq/L.
Enalapril
moderate
ACE inhibitor potassium retention + exogenous potassium: additive hyperkalemia risk.
Management: Monitor serum potassium closely.
Sodium Bicarbonate
moderate
Both alkalinize urine. Combined excessive alkalinization promotes calcium phosphate urolithiasis and metabolic alkalosis.
Management: Monitor urine pH and blood gas. Avoid over-alkalinization.

Brands

International

Urocit-K
Mission Pharmacal
K-Citra
Various

India

Potrate
FDC
Citralka
Disecto Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Potassium Citrate?
Potassium Citrate is a urinary alkalinizer / antilithic agent used in pets. Metabolized to bicarbonate, alkalinizing urine and increasing urinary citrate; citrate complexes with calcium, reducing calcium oxalate stone formation; alkaline urine also helps dissolve urate stones
›What is Potassium Citrate used for in pets?
Potassium Citrate is used in veterinary medicine for: Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention, urate stone management, metabolic acidosis; Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention.
›What is the Potassium Citrate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Potassium Citrate is typically dosed as follows — Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention, urate stone management, metabolic acidosis: 50–150 mg/kg PO BID to TID (with food). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Potassium Citrate dose for cats?
For cats, Potassium Citrate is typically dosed as follows — Calcium oxalate urolithiasis prevention: 40–75 mg/kg PO BID to TID (with food). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Potassium Citrate?
Common: GI upset, Nausea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hyperkalemia, Metabolic alkalosis.
›Does Potassium Citrate need a prescription?
Yes. Potassium Citrate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Potassium Citrate not be used?
Do not use Potassium Citrate if: Hyperkalemia.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →