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

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Synopsis

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

Potassium Citrate for Kidney Stones: Scientific Evidence

Potassium citrate is widely recognized and prescribed in modern medicine for the prevention and management of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. Its use is grounded in robust scientific evidence and clinical guidelines. Potassium citrate works by alkalinizing the urine, increasing urinary citrate levels, and reducing the formation of kidney stones.

Low urinary citrate (hypocitraturia) is a known risk factor for the development of kidney stones. Citrate binds to calcium in the urine, thereby inhibiting the formation and aggregation of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate crystals. Clinical studies have demonstrated that oral potassium citrate supplementation increases urinary citrate excretion and raises urinary pH, both of which contribute to a reduced rate of stone formation and recurrence.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support its efficacy, with the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) both recommending potassium citrate as a first-line preventive therapy for patients with recurrent calcium stones, uric acid stones, or hypocitraturia. Adverse effects are generally mild and include gastrointestinal upset, but the benefit-risk profile is favorable in appropriately selected patients.

In summary, potassium citrate is a scientifically validated and guideline-supported therapy for preventing the recurrence of specific types of kidney stones, making its use evidence-based and standard of care in nephrology and urology.

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