Potassium is a mineral that you need on a constant basis for several parts of your body, including the proper function of your heart and muscles. The National Institutes of Health reports that potassium citrate is used to treat kidney disorders. If you are pregnant, you will need to monitor the medication and supplements you take because many of them are potentially harmful to your unborn baby. Speak with your doctor if you take potassium citrate and you discover you are pregnant to ensure that you are not placing your unborn baby in danger.
Potassium Citrate Uses
Potassium citrate is used to treat a certain kidney disorder called renal tube acidosis. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that this prevents your kidneys from excreting acid into your urine, which causes you blood to become acidic. Without medication and treatment, like potassium citrate, renal tubular acidosis can lead to kidney stones, bone disease, chronic kidney disease and possibly kidney failure. Potassium citrate can be used for other disorders under the supervision and care of a doctor.
Potassium Citrate During Pregnancy
If you take potassium citrate for renal tubular acidosis, or for any other reason, notify your doctor immediately if you get pregnant. Your doctor may determine the risk of not taking the medication is greater than any dangers it poses to your unborn baby. If your health or life may be put into danger by not taking potassium citrate, your doctor will most likely recommend that you continue taking it. If not, your doctor may recommend an alternate medication until you deliver you baby.
Dangers of Potassium Citrate
Potassium citrate is considered a class C drug, according to the ratings from the Food and Drug Administration. The American Pregnancy Association reports that class C drugs may pose a risk to your unborn baby, but conclusive studies are lacking to prove any potential dangers. Drugs.com notes that small studies have been conducted that show evidence of birth defects in unborn babies exposed to potassium citrate, but they have contradictory results. A class C drug is also classified as one that may have more benefit than risk, but that decision should be made with your doctor.
Information if You Do Take Potassium Citrate
If your doctor recommends that you continue taking potassium citrate while pregnant, you will need to keep the same cautions in mind as if you were not pregnant. Follow dosing recommendations closely so you are not exposing your unborn baby to more of the medication than necessary. Swallow your pill whole, do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication and take the pill with food. Notify your doctor if you develop a urinary tract infection because you should not take potassium citrate with this condition.
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