Potassium citrate for cystitis

About potassium citrate

Cistitis significa inflamación de la vejiga. Suele estar causada por una infección de orina. Los síntomas típicos son dolor al orinar y micción más frecuente. La orina puede volverse turbia y maloliente. Es especialmente frecuente en las mujeres. Es posible que le receten un tratamiento corto con antibióticos, aunque los casos leves suelen mejorar por sí solos sin necesidad de tratamiento, ya que su propio sistema inmunitario puede eliminar la infección.

Potassium citrate is a product that is sometimes recommended for the treatment of mild cystitis. It may help to relieve the discomfort, although there is no strong evidence of its benefit. It works by making the urine less acidic. It can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Note: if you are pregnant, male or have a medical condition, you should always consult a doctor if you think you have cystitis because you may need to be treated with antibiotics. Men are advised to drink at least one litre of water and seek medical attention if symptoms last longer than three hours

Before taking potassium citrate

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking potassium citrate it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• Si está embarazada.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de sus riñones.

• If you have a heart condition, or any other serious medical condition.

• Si toma o utiliza otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to take potassium citrate

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the specific product you have been given and how to take it.

• Please follow the dosage instructions on the label of the pack. Take your doses after meals. The following guidelines are adult doses:

  • Effervescent tablets (brand Effercitrate®) - take two tablets, up to three times a day. Take the tablets dissolved into a whole glassful of water.

  • Liquid medicine - take two 5 ml spoonfuls, stirred into a whole glassful of water. You can take up to three doses a day.

  • Sachets (brand Cystopurin®) - empty the contents of one sachet into a whole glassful of water. Stir it well before drinking. Take one sachet, three times daily.
    

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• If your symptoms do not improve within two days of taking potassium citrate, or if you develop a high temperature, you should contact your doctor.

• Puede que le resulte útil pedir a su farmacéutico que le recomiende un analgésico adecuado. El paracetamol o el ibuprofeno también pueden ayudar a aliviar el dolor y las molestias de la cistitis.

• Although it has been said that drinking lots of water may be helpful, there is little evidence for this. Some doctors feel that it does not help and drinking lots may just cause more painful toilet trips. You should follow the directions on the label for taking your potassium citrate preparation with water; however, other than this, drinking normal amounts of fluid is often sufficient.

• If your symptoms recur within two weeks, you should make an appointment with your doctor for further advice.

Can potassium citrate cause problems?

Recommended doses of potassium citrate are unlikely to cause any side-effects other than making you want to pass a little more urine than normal, and maybe a mild stomach upset. If either of these becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse al medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store potassium citrate

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos