Potassium

[andyp_oz]

I recently received my last set of lab results and unfortunately the results were not too encouraging. my Ph was 6.5, and my potassium level was 5.4. I am currently taking six Urocit K tablets a day. When I was taking sodium bicarbonate, my Ph was up over 7.5. My question is how far can you go with the Urocit K before the potassium levels are too high, or should I think about going back on to sodium bicarbonate?

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[DAVIDGOLDFARB]

The advantage of potassium citrate over sodium bicarbonate is that the sodium load may be associated with more cystine in the urine; on the other hand if pH is higher that may not be a very big deal. You may been taking more sodium bicarbonate than the dose of potassium citrate you are on. You are taking 60 milliequivalents of potassium citrate. Sodium bicarbonate is about 84 milligrams per milliequivalent, so 650 mg has about 8 milliequivalents.
The potassium in the blood is something that 10 doctors will give you 10 opinions about: 5.4 is not very high for a nephrologist, but urologists may be more uncomfortable. A lot has to do with whether it is rising or stable, what your kidney function is (serum creatinine concentration), whether you are taking other meds, whether you are going to the OR, or have dietary issues that contribute. The number 5.4 would not by itself make me change your prescription, but other issues might make it more impressive.