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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

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

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

Frequency

BID to TID (with food)

Max dose

250 mg/dose; 750 mg/day

Duration: Long-term for stone prevention

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database