Evidence supporting the use of: Potassium Bicarbonate
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Potassium bicarbonate is scientifically validated as a treatment for certain types of kidney stones. Its primary use is to alkalinize the urine, which can help prevent the formation and promote the dissolution of uric acid and cystine stones. These types of stones form in acidic urine, and raising the urinary pH reduces their likelihood of forming. Potassium bicarbonate acts by providing alkali, effectively increasing urinary pH and reducing the risk of stone formation.

Several clinical guidelines and studies support the use of potassium bicarbonate (as well as potassium citrate) for patients with uric acid stones, cystine stones, or hypocitraturia-related calcium stones. A 2015 guideline from the American Urological Association recommends alkali therapy for uric acid stone formers. Randomized controlled trials and long-term observational studies have demonstrated that potassium bicarbonate is effective in raising urinary pH and reducing recurrence rates for these stone types. It is not useful for all kidney stones—specifically, it is not indicated for calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones unless hypocitraturia is present.

In practice, potassium citrate is often preferred due to its additional citrate content, but potassium bicarbonate remains an established alternative, especially when citrate is not tolerated. The evidence supporting its use is robust for the indicated stone types, and it is widely accepted in nephrology and urology practice.

More about Potassium Bicarbonate
More about Kidney Stones

Other health conditions supported by Potassium Bicarbonate

Acid Indigestion
Hypertension
Kidney Stones
Overacidity
Uric Acid Retention

Products containing Potassium Bicarbonate

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