Uralyt-U

Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.

Generic name: potassium sodium hydrogen citrate
Brand names: Uralyt-U
Drug class: Citrate urinary alkalinizer
Form: Extended-release tablet
Route: Oral
Legal status: Prescription-only medicine

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: India

What potassium sodium hydrogen citrate is and how it works

Uralyt-U is a citrate-based urinary alkalinizer that raises urinary citrate and pH. It is used to treat certain types of kidney stones, including those associated with renal tubular acidosis, low urinary citrate levels (hypocitraturia), and uric acid stones. The treatment goal is to increase urinary citrate to above 320 mg/day and urinary pH to 6.0–7.0. (1)

It is a prescription medicine taken orally, usually with meals, and requires regular monitoring of kidney function and blood electrolytes. The exact approved uses may differ by country.

Mechanism of action: how potassium sodium hydrogen citrate works

Citrate salts are alkalinizing agents that increase urinary citrate and pH. Citrate complexes with calcium, reducing urinary calcium saturation and inhibiting crystal formation. Alkalinization also aids dissolution of uric acid stones. (1)

What potassium sodium hydrogen citrate is used for

Renal tubular acidosis with calcium stones

Uralyt-U may be used to treat or prevent kidney stones in people with complete or partial distal renal tubular acidosis, a condition that causes low urinary citrate and acidic urine. (1)

Hypocitraturic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis

It may be used in people who form calcium oxalate stones and have low urinary citrate levels (hypocitraturia), regardless of the underlying cause. (1)

Uric acid lithiasis

It may be used to treat or prevent uric acid stones, with or without calcium stones, by raising urinary pH and citrate. (1)

Before taking potassium sodium hydrogen citrate

Do not take / not appropriate for

Do not take Uralyt-U if you have hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) or any condition that predisposes you to hyperkalemia, such as chronic kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, acute dehydration, strenuous exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, or extensive tissue breakdown. (all uses) (1)
Do not take Uralyt-U if you are taking potassium-sparing diuretics (triamterene, spironolactone, or amiloride). (all uses) (1)
Do not take Uralyt-U if you have delayed gastrointestinal transit (delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, intestinal obstruction or stricture) or are on anticholinergic therapy. (all uses) (1)
Do not take Uralyt-U if you have peptic ulcer disease. (all uses) (1)
Do not take Uralyt-U if you have an active urinary tract infection. (all uses) (1)
Do not take Uralyt-U if you have significant renal insufficiency with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 0.7 mL/kg/min. (all uses) (1)

Tell your clinician about

Any kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, or adrenal gland problems.
If you are taking potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, or anticholinergic medicines.
If you have stomach or intestinal problems, including ulcers, slow emptying, narrowing, or obstruction.
If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
If you have an active urinary tract infection or signs of dehydration.

(1)

How to take potassium sodium hydrogen citrate

Take Uralyt-U tablets exactly as prescribed. The dose is set by your clinician based on your urine citrate and pH levels, body weight, and kidney function.
Tablets must be swallowed whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, or suck them. The wax-matrix slow-release design is essential for safety.
Take each dose with meals or within 30 minutes after a meal or a bedtime snack to reduce stomach irritation.
Do not change the dose or stop treatment without your prescriber's guidance.

(1)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)

Missed dose

If you forget a dose, take it with food as soon as possible. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take extra tablets to catch up. Contact your prescriber if you are unsure.

Overdose

Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause dangerously high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) which may be life-threatening even without symptoms. Symptoms may include palpitations, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. (1)

Side effects

The most common side effects are stomach or bowel complaints. Hyperkalemia is a serious risk but is not a common side effect; it requires monitoring.

Gastrointestinal upset

What to notice: Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (loose stools).

What to do: Taking Uralyt-U with meals usually reduces these effects. Tell your prescriber if they persist or become troublesome. (1)

Severe gastrointestinal symptoms

What to notice: Persistent severe abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, or vomiting (especially blood or material that looks like coffee grounds).

What to do: These could indicate a serious bowel injury; seek urgent medical attention. (1)

Serious warnings

Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) — emergency

Symptoms: Palpitations, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or irregular heartbeat. However, hyperkalemia can occur without symptoms and may be detected only by blood tests and ECGs.

Action: If you experience symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Regular blood electrolyte and ECG monitoring as directed by your clinician is essential. (1)

Gastrointestinal injury — emergency

Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or black/tarry stools, possibly indicating ulcers or small-bowel lesions.

Action: Seek immediate medical attention — the clinician you see advises on the medicine. (1)

Interactions

Medicine or test	Effect	Action
Potassium-sparing diuretics (triamterene, spironolactone, amiloride)	Concurrent use greatly increases the risk of hyperkalemia and is contraindicated.	Do not take these medicines with Uralyt-U. Your prescriber will review your medication list. (1)
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) and NSAIDs	These can raise potassium levels, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia.	Your clinician will monitor potassium levels and may adjust medications. (1)
Anticholinergic medicines	They can slow gastrointestinal transit, increasing the risk of stomach and bowel irritation or ulceration from the potassium tablet formulation.	Avoid use if possible; discuss alternatives with your prescriber. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Uralyt-U should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there are no adequate studies. Potassium is excreted in human breast milk (normal concentration ~13 mEq/L). Discuss with your clinician whether to continue or stop. (1)

People with renal impairment

Uralyt-U is contraindicated if kidney function is severely reduced (GFR below 0.7 mL/kg/min). In mild to moderate impairment, close monitoring of kidney function and potassium is required. (1)

Monitoring

Before starting

Confirm the diagnosis and indication, and measure baseline urinary citrate and pH.
Assess kidney function (serum creatinine, GFR), serum electrolytes (especially potassium), and risk factors for hyperkalemia.
Screen for contraindications: hyperkalemia, renal impairment, GI motility disorders, peptic ulcer, UTI.
Review concurrent medications, especially potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, and anticholinergics.
Plan periodic monitoring schedule.

During treatment

Monitor serum electrolytes (especially potassium), creatinine, and complete blood count every 4 months, or more frequently if cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis.
Periodic ECGs to detect early cardiac effects of hyperkalemia.
Monitor 24-hour urinary citrate and urinary pH to titrate therapy, aiming for urinary citrate >320 mg/day and pH 6.0–7.0.
Assess for gastrointestinal tolerance and adherence to whole-tablet ingestion.

(1)

Storage

Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local product information and guidelines for patient-specific dosing and monitoring.

All regions

Indication: Citrate urinary alkalinization for nephrolithiasis (based on US reference labeling)

Dose summary: Initial dosing is based on severity of hypocitraturia: severe (<150 mg/day) — 60 mEq/day (30 mEq twice daily or 20 mEq three times daily with meals); mild-moderate — 30 mEq/day (15 mEq twice daily or 10 mEq three times daily with meals or within 30 minutes after meals/bedtime snack). Doses above 100 mEq/day have not been studied. Tablets must be swallowed whole, never crushed or chewed.

Renal context: Contraindicated if GFR <0.7 mL/kg/min. In patients with any renal impairment, monitor renal function and potassium closely; dose adjustment may be required. (1)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

No specific hepatic impairment data; use clinical judgment.

Overdose note

Overdose leads to hyperkalemia which can be rapidly fatal. Management includes discontinuing the drug, restricting potassium intake, and providing acute medical care including ECG monitoring and measures to lower potassium (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, calcium gluconate, insulin/glucose, hemodialysis if needed). (1)

Frequently asked questions

Why do I take citrate (Uralyt-U) for kidney stones?

Citrate binds urinary calcium and raises urine pH. This helps treat stones caused by renal tubular acidosis, low urinary citrate (hypocitraturia), and uric acid stones. The goal is to get urinary citrate above 320 mg/day and urine pH between 6.0 and 7.0. (1)

Why must the tablets be swallowed whole?

The tablets have a wax-matrix slow-release design that prevents high local potassium concentrations that could damage the bowel. Crushing, chewing, or sucking destroys this protection and increases the risk of stomach or intestinal ulcers. (1)

What is the most serious risk with Uralyt-U?

Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) is the most serious risk. It can develop quickly and without symptoms, which is why your clinician will monitor your blood potassium and ECG regularly. People with kidney failure, those taking potassium-sparing diuretics, and those with uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk and should not take this medicine. (1)

Why should I take Uralyt-U with meals?

Taking it with food or a bedtime snack reduces stomach irritation and helps with absorption. (1)

What is the mechanism of action of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate?

What is the generic name of Uralyt-U?

The generic name is potassium sodium hydrogen citrate. It is sold under brand names including Uralyt-U. (1)

What class of drug is potassium sodium hydrogen citrate?

Uralyt-U is classed as: Citrate urinary alkalinizer. (1)

References

UROCIT-K (potassium citrate) extended-release tablets — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2021-12-02 · accessed 2026-08-08 · source 1
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3 PERCENT READYINCASE (HYDROGEN PEROXIDE) LIQUID [P & L DEVELOPMENT, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
Hydrogen Peroxide — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M003)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
hydrogen — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 5486)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient potassium sodium hydrogen citrate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

India

K Cit334/1100 mg per dose (450 mL, 300 mL, 200 mL bottles) · Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
Potrate10 mg · not stated in listing extract
Potrate Sfnot stated in listing extract · not stated in listing extract

View brands in additional countries.