The most common adverse reaction relates to the formulation and potassium products causing gastro-intestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and discomfort, and can potentially lead to gastro-intestinal ulceration, bleeding, perforation and/or obstruction.
Adverse reactions are listed according to MedDRA organ classes and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000), very rare (<1/10 000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| System organ class/frequency | MedDRA preferred term |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | |
| Very common | Abdominal pain, nausea |
| Common | Abdominal pain upper, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, dysphagia, oesophagitis, vomiting, gaseousness (bloating, belching, flatulence) |
| Not known | Gastrointestinal mucosal damage, gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | |
| Not known | Hyperkalaemia |
| Skin | |
| Common | Rash |
In patients with rapid gastrointestinal transit time, the tablet wax matrix may be present in their faeces.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Ingestion of potassium citrate may induce hyperkalaemia.
Severe hyperkalaemia may lead to muscle weakness/paralysis and cardiac conduction abnormalities (e.g., heart block, ventricular arrhythmias, asystole). Patients with cardiovascular disease e.g., heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, may be more susceptible to life-threatening cardiac effects associated with hyper/hypokalaemia and, therefore, potassium citrate should be used with caution (see section 4.4).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal products. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.