Potassium citrate
Tripotassium citrate
Also known as: Cystopurin · Potassium citrate BP · Tripotassium citrate
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Dosing by species
Dosing data for this drug is not yet available in the VetSheet formulary. Every other section below is complete. Consult the current product label before prescribing.
Overview
Potassium citrate is an oral alkalinizing agent used primarily to manage and prevent calcium oxalate urolithiasis in dogs and cats. It works by increasing urine pH and binding with calcium in the urine.
Clinical Pearl: While effective for calcium oxalate prevention, it should not be used in patients with struvite stones, which thrive in alkaline urine.
Mechanism of action
Enhances renal tubular resorption of calcium, and alkalinizes urine.
→ Citrate is metabolized in the liver to bicarbonate, which increases systemic blood and urine pH. → Citrate also binds to calcium in the urine, forming soluble calcium citrate complexes, thereby reducing the availability of calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Renal failure or severe renal impairment
- Hyperkalemia
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Struvite urolithiasis (requires acidic urine)
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Hyperkalemia (rare if renal function is normal)
Precautions
Monitor serum potassium levels, especially in patients with compromised renal function or those on concurrent medications that increase potassium. Monitor urine pH to ensure target alkalinity (typically pH 7.0-7.5) is achieved without over-alkalinizing, which could predispose the patient to calcium phosphate or struvite crystal formation.
Drug interactions
Increased risk of hyperkalemia due to potassium-sparing effects
Increased risk of hyperkalemia
May increase the risk of hyperkalemia in compromised patients
Monitoring
- Urine pH
- Serum potassium levels
- Renal function (BUN, Creatinine)
- Urinalysis (for crystal formation)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the body.
Metabolism
Metabolized in the liver to bicarbonate.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via the kidneys.
Overdose
Overdosage may lead to hyperkalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Clinical signs of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness, bradycardia, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, administering non-potassium containing IV fluids, and potentially using calcium gluconate, dextrose, and insulin in severe cases.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral: 30% solution
- Various oral preparations
Veterinary
- Various preparations (AVM-GSL)
Human-labeled
- Cystopurin
- Potassium citrate BP
Regulatory status
Available as general sales list or nutritional supplement
Authorised Veterinary Medicine - General Sales List
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture.
Client information
Administer with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Do not change the dose without consulting your veterinarian, as too much can cause dangerous changes in blood potassium levels or urine pH. Contact your vet if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or changes in urination.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.