Potassium citrate anhydrous has roots tracing back to a time when chemists first explored the complex links between organic acids and mineral salts. The discovery came out of early efforts to isolate and understand citrates by reacting citrus acids with alkaline substances. Over the years, food scientists and medical professionals took a closer look at its ability to neutralize acids, prevent stone formation, and act as an effective buffering agent, fostering a niche for potassium citrate in health care, food, and industry. Historical changes in how people view kidney stone management and food acidity control helped speed up its large-scale production. As manufacturing evolved from crude crystallization to refined anhydrous forms, the substance made its way into various commercial sectors, living up to accuracy in preparation and purity.
Potassium citrate anhydrous stands out among potassium salts for its strong solubility and neutral taste, a welcome trait in both medical and food products. While potassium chloride and sodium citrate make their rounds in the supplement world, potassium citrate anhydrous catches the attention of those needing control over both potassium and citrate content. Hospitals keep it on hand as a base for preventing renal calculi and doctors depend on its reliable action. In industrial and food settings, operators select it to tweak pH and manage mineral content without adding any bitterness or interfering flavors, which feels crucial in sensitive recipes and specialized liquids. Its shelf stability, lightweight nature, and standardized labeling rules keep users confident in what they're getting.
Potassium citrate anhydrous comes as a white or almost white, crystalline powder, free-flowing and moisture-averse. It dissolves quickly in water, leaving behind a near-neutral solution with minimal cloudiness, a quality that makes a clear difference in transparent systems like beverages. Chemically, its stability under storage feels reliable — heat, light, and moderate exposure to air don't degrade it easily, as long as it's kept dry. Both density and melting point reflect its tightly packed, triple potassium salt structure. The anhydrous form skips the molecular water present in the regular hydrate, boosting both mass efficiency and shelf life in temperature-sensitive environments.
Regulatory agencies expect potassium citrate anhydrous to conform to purity bars above 99%. Labs regularly monitor heavy metals, sulfate, and loss on drying, with most commercial samples clocking in well below warning thresholds. On the label, you’ll usually find lot numbers, expiration dates, country of origin, intended uses, and storage directions. The chemical formula, C6H5K3O7, and CAS number follow standard rules for bulk shipments and medical-grade materials. Businesses and consumers benefit from batch-specific certifications, Certificates of Analysis (COA), and compliance checks from authorities like the US FDA and European Pharmacopoeia.
Producers synthesize potassium citrate anhydrous by combining citric acid with hot potassium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The resulting potassium citrate monohydrate undergoes controlled drying, driving off water under vacuum or heat until the powder converts to the anhydrous phase. Every step calls for careful pH tracking and filtration to weed out impurities. Large operations rely on stainless steel reactors and fluid bed driers to handle commercial quantities without contamination. The most direct prep methods help the substance avoid the side product build-up, which can hamper subsequent use in food or pharma lines.
Potassium citrate anhydrous behaves as a weak base and can react with strong acids to release citric acid and potassium ions in solution—this process supports its role as a systemic alkalizer. Labs sometimes rely on it as a reactant for buffer systems or as an intermediate in more complex organic syntheses. Chemical engineers sometimes alter the substance by introducing other metal ions, but the parent compound is highly favored for its direct and predictable action. Modifications stay minimal because the anhydrous form already walks a fine line between solubility and stability.
People know potassium citrate anhydrous by names like Tripotassium Citrate, Potassium Salt of Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate (anhydrous), and its E-number: E332(ii). Across global markets, generic brands and pharmacopoeial standards keep the terminology consistent, which helps with sourcing, compliance, and product safety.
Safety ranks high. Workers and end-users are urged to protect against accidental ingestion of large amounts, even though the compound handles well in moderate doses. Contact with eyes or mucous membranes calls for rinsing, and users clean up any powder spills quickly because citrates can attract moisture. Proper gloves and dust masks in bulk handling minimize exposures. Regulatory advice focuses not just on human exposure, but also on safe disposal, since potassium and citrate ions can affect local water chemistry if dumped in excess.
Healthcare teams prescribe potassium citrate for urine alkalinization in patients prone to certain kidney stones. Hospitals and home care setups value its support in correcting potassium deficits, especially among folks who can’t tolerate oral potassium chloride due to stomach upset. The food industry adds it to balance pH in processed drinks, stabilize emulsions in cheese making, and maintain mineral content without exceeding sodium limits in low-salt diets. Water treatment specialists use it to buffer municipal and bottled water, helping prevent corrosion in pipes and keeping taste profiles steady. Some winemakers mix it into musts to safeguard flavor stability. Animal nutrition experts blend it into feed to help livestock with electrolyte maintenance, a practical fix during fast growth or heat stress.
Research groups are always on the lookout for cost-effective synthesis routes and new clinical indications. Hospitals participate in long-term studies to see how potassium citrate anhydrous can slow the rise of uric acid stones and guard against recurrent nephrolithiasis. Food technologists study its combined effects with other acidulants to improve shelf stability while keeping taste clean. Environmental scientists look for ways to recover excess potassium from waste streams after industrial use. The chemical industry works on granular forms that resist clumping, and pharma companies trial new formulation technologies to boost patient adherence.
Potassium citrate anhydrous has a strong safety profile when dosed according to guidelines. Too much at once can cause hyperkalemia, especially in patients with kidney problems or those on certain medications. Lab tests on animals and humans often focus on blood potassium changes, heart rhythm effects, and digestion. Researchers confirm that the organic citrate part gets well-processed by the liver and kidneys under normal health. Regulators keep updating reference values, but all current evidence says responsible handling and consumption pose little hazard for most people.
The demand for clean-label acidulants and non-sodium electrolytes only heads upward. As more consumers look for low-sodium, mineral-balanced foods, producers will keep turning to potassium citrate anhydrous. Urban water supplies will need cost-effective pH stabilization, especially as infrastructure ages. Medical research may soon bring new uses in rare metabolic diseases or expanded nutritional support for at-risk groups. Advances in drying and crystallization can bring even finer, dust-free grades suitable for high-tech applications, such as controlled-release tablets or ultraclean food processing. With global populations rising and diets changing, one can expect potassium citrate anhydrous to remain a staple in both commercial labs and daily wellness routines for many years to come.
Potassium citrate anhydrous steps in most often for people who want relief from kidney stones. Doctors give this compound to lower the acidity in urine, which cuts down the chance that stones will form. Anyone who’s dealt with the pain of passing a stone knows how miserable it gets. Over the years, research has shown that this supplement reduces the odds of stones coming back, especially the calcium kind. That’s a big win for folks who want to avoid repeated hospital trips and days out of work.
Some people end up with low potassium after taking certain water pills or because of health conditions that make them lose the mineral through urine or sweat. Low potassium can make muscles weak and even throw off your heart rhythm if it gets bad enough. Supplementing with potassium citrate helps these people keep their heart and muscles on track. This approach works because the body absorbs this form of potassium well and quickly, which means doctors know their patients will respond soon after starting it.
Gout causes flares of pressure and pain, leaving joints red, swollen, and angry. Potassium citrate makes a difference for some with gout by changing urine chemistry. By reducing acidity, it stops crystals from forming in vulnerable kidneys. Doctors keep this tool close because gout and kidney stone risks sometimes overlap. The science backs up this practice—data published in respected medical journals show less crystal buildup in people who take potassium citrate regularly.
Most people focus on calcium and vitamin D when thinking about bones, but potassium plays a quiet, steady role. Diets full of packaged foods tend to run acidic, nudging the body to pull minerals out of bone to keep the blood balanced. Potassium citrate acts to add a base, countering the acid and potentially protecting bone strength. Evidence connecting a better potassium intake with stronger bones keeps building. People at risk for osteoporosis or those looking for another way to support bone health have a reason to ask their healthcare provider if potassium citrate fits their personal plan.
Potassium citrate slips into the world of processed foods, too. Manufacturers add it as a buffer or to give a hint of tartness without bumping up sodium content. A quick scan of drink can labels shows this supplement helping balance flavors and preserve freshness. In recent years, people want lower sodium options to help with blood pressure, and potassium citrate gives food scientists another tool for taste and health. Food safety agencies recognize it as safe in reasonable amounts, but the bigger message circles back to eating a diet full of fresh produce, where potassium comes in naturally and supports health.
Potassium citrate anhydrous fills gaps where diet or health challenges put people at risk. Doctors rely on it for clear reasons. It keeps urine balanced, helps the heart, protects bones, and gives food manufacturers a safer alternative to sodium. Taking too much can cause trouble, especially for those dealing with kidney damage, which means regular lab checks and honest talks with your healthcare team always matter. Anyone interested should work with professionals and pay attention to how whole foods—bananas, spinach, potatoes—can boost natural potassium and support health without the risk of getting too much from pills or powders. The best solutions begin with solid information and building habits that last.
Potassium citrate anhydrous matters for those dealing with certain kidney stones, acid balance issues, or specific urinary disorders. It works by making urine less acidic. Doctors sometimes choose it to help people manage kidney stone risks. People who’ve known the pain of those stones know why sticking to the routine keeps things smoother.
Doctors often give clear, practical instructions on how to take potassium citrate anhydrous. It usually comes in tablet or powder form. Dosing is based on how severe your condition is, your age, and how your body handles potassium. Swallowing tablets whole with a full glass of water often makes the process comfortable for your stomach. Crushing, chewing, or splitting tablets might not do your gut any good, as they are meant to dissolve slowly to avoid irritation or stomach upset.
Some people face challenges taking large pills. In those cases, talking with a pharmacist can bring out helpful alternatives – like specific compounded forms or liquid options. Never change the form without clearing it with your healthcare professional. Mistakes with dosage can cause more health trouble than the condition itself.
Potassium citrate anhydrous often sits best with meals or right after eating. Empty stomach use leads to more heartburn, nausea, or even vomiting. After years working with patients in community clinics, I’ve noticed those who take this advice experience far fewer side effects. Eating before the dose isn’t optional for comfort—it keeps a person’s routine manageable day after day. Trust what experienced clinicians recommend on this point.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day cuts down the risk of stomach problems and also helps with kidney stone prevention. People sometimes forget this isn’t like popping a normal daily vitamin. Potassium needs a watchful eye since going overboard can lead to muscle weakness, heartbeat changes, and—in serious cases—dangerous heart rhythms. Doctors will often set up bloodwork every so often to track potassium and kidney function. Skipping these checks only piles up future risks.
Certain medicines—like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or NSAIDs—raise the risk of potassium building up too much. Mentioning every prescription, supplement, or herbal product at doctor visits will keep everybody safer. Ignoring drug interactions opens up a new set of headaches that are easy to avoid with honest communication.
Setting reminders on your phone or using a pillbox takes the pressure off your memory. If side effects get in the way, speak up. Waiting until the next appointment just lets discomfort linger. Healthcare workers have seen all sorts of issues—they want to hear before minor problems grow into emergencies.
Storing potassium citrate away from moisture, sun, and inquisitive children leads to fewer accidents and keeps the medication reliable. Reading the label before each new bottle avoids confusion, especially since pharmacy brands can change the look of pills.
Getting potassium right can change quality of life for those who need it. Respect each part of the routine and trust partnerships with your care team.
Potassium citrate anhydrous usually ends up in prescriptions for people who struggle with kidney stones or certain kidney problems. Doctors count on it to lower the acid in urine, making stones less likely to form or slow their growth. More potassium sounds like a healthy choice for many of us, but bringing in extra minerals often leads to new problems. Nobody likes to read the fine print, though those warnings aren’t just there for show.
Ask anyone who has taken potassium supplements: digestive drama is real. Nausea, belly pain, the sudden urge to find a restroom—these show up in the early days. I remember a friend standing by the kitchen counter, clutching his stomach because his body wasn’t a fan of the tablets. Taking it with food did help, but some people report continued upset, in the form of diarrhea or vomiting. That’s not a slight inconvenience for someone who already deals with daily health struggles.
Too much potassium can throw a wrench in the gears, especially for people with kidneys that don’t filter as well as they should. Hyperkalemia brings symptoms like tiredness, muscle weakness, even dangerous heart rhythms. A journal article from the New England Journal of Medicine points out that people who take potassium supplements need regular blood tests for this very reason. Skipping those means missing the warning signs until things are more serious.
Some folks notice tingling in their hands and feet, or muscle cramps they just can’t stretch away. Potassium shift can throw off signals that muscles and nerves rely on. Weakness shows up, sometimes as an odd heaviness in limbs. For athletes or older adults, that makes moving around a tricky business. Having cramping episodes while taking a stroll or climbing stairs reminds us how much the body relies on having minerals at the right levels, not too much and not too little.
Rare, but severe, allergic reactions sometimes happen. Swelling of the lips or throat and difficulty breathing point to a need for immediate medical care. Reports of skin rash or itching also come up in case studies, so paying attention to any change right after starting a new prescription can mean a safer outcome. I’ve seen people dismiss mild rashes, but with medication, early reporting leads to faster solutions.
Potassium citrate doesn’t always play nicely with other drugs. Blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors, or certain water pills, can bump up potassium levels even higher. A data review by the FDA notes a marked increase in side effects for people who combine these medications. It’s smart to check with your healthcare provider before adding potassium citrate to the mix, especially if you rely on daily prescriptions for blood pressure.
People stand to benefit most from regular check-ins—simple blood tests, honest symptom tracking, and open conversation with the doctor. Doctors aren’t trying to be nosy by checking in; they’re looking for small warning signs before they grow. Taking potassium citrate without skipping appointments and reporting any new symptoms right away takes some of the guesswork out of the process, and leaves less room for nasty surprises. That approach builds the most trust, both in the prescription and in your care.
Potassium citrate anhydrous gets prescribed for a few different reasons, with kidney stones and certain urinary conditions leading the pack. The job of this compound is to make the urine less acidic, which helps slow stone formation and can even ease some symptoms for folks who deal with persistent kidney issues. It’s easily available, convenient as a tablet or powder, and used by many people every day. Even though it seems pretty innocent, folks taking it need to stay sharp about other pills in their day-to-day life.
Experience in the pharmacy realm teaches you which drugs clash. Potassium citrate and medications that toy with potassium levels often spell trouble. For example, certain blood pressure medicines — like ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (losartan, valsartan) — frequently cause potassium levels to tick up. Add potassium citrate into the mix, and now potassium can fly too high. This increases the risk of heart rhythm changes or even more serious heart trouble.
Some diuretics, called potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), can also build up potassium. Mixing potassium citrate with one of these can sometimes push potassium to unsafe levels. Hyperkalemia, the clinical term for too much potassium, may not give much warning before it affects the heart or muscles.
Digoxin, a drug used for certain heart conditions, gets impacted by any wild swings in electrolytes. Too much potassium can either weaken digoxin’s effect or make it interact badly, and too little potassium can make it toxic. Anyone with heart disease feels the consequences fast if their electrolytes shift.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, taken daily for conditions like arthritis, can throw off kidney function—especially for folks who are older, have pre-existing kidney issues, or take multiple medicines. If kidneys slow down, potassium that normally gets filtered out now lingers. Combining NSAIDs with potassium citrate can add to the risk.
Certain supplements look harmless, but multivitamins with potassium or additional salt substitutes, which often use potassium chloride, can pile up. People often forget supplement labels matter as much as medicine labels.
Even salt substitutes are something to watch out for. Instead of sodium, they usually have potassium. Mixing that with potassium citrate isn’t always a good idea without a doctor’s nod.
Doctors pay attention to lab results before suggesting potassium citrate, then keep checking in to catch any red flags. Every patient, whether young or aging, benefits from knowing exactly what’s in the medicine cabinet. For folks working in health care or running into these situations often, asking patients about diet and over-the-counter stuff matters as much as the prescription itself.
Technology helps, too. Online tools and pharmacy databases often flag risky combinations, but nothing beats real-world conversations between patients and prescribers. I’ve witnessed clinics skip complications simply by checking in about herbals and supplements during visits.
Clear communication and regular blood tests are the backbone of staying clear from dangerous interactions. Patient education and routine monitoring do more than almost anything else to prevent serious complications with potassium citrate and its fellow travelers. Everyone gains when people know which pills don’t play nicely together.
Doctors sometimes prescribe potassium citrate anhydrous to help manage kidney stones or keep acid levels in the urine in check. For folks needing to raise their potassium levels, it can offer real value. At the same time, swallowing a pill just because it looks harmless doesn’t fit everyone. Some people’s health risks skyrocket if they bring extra potassium into their system. I’m sharing these thoughts not only from digging into studies but after seeing what real patients go through when they mix the wrong meds with the wrong conditions.
Kidneys act as the body’s natural filter for everything, including potassium. People living with kidney disease are often asked to watch their potassium intake because their kidneys struggle to clear out the excess. Adding more—through supplements like potassium citrate anhydrous—can tip the balance and send potassium levels soaring. If you ever saw a hospital chart listing “hyperkalemia” in red, that’s a danger sign. High potassium throws the heart’s rhythm out of step and, at its worst, forces an emergency trip to the ER. Folks on dialysis or with known kidney trouble usually hear stern warnings: skip extra potassium unless a specialist specifically says otherwise.
Some people think potassium only matters for muscle cramps, but it plays a big role in keeping heartbeats steady. People who already take medications to slow their heart (like beta-blockers or certain blood pressure drugs) sometimes hold onto extra potassium. In these cases, adding potassium citrate anhydrous can become a real threat. If you’re already on drugs like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or spironolactone, double-checking your latest bloodwork before adding potassium isn’t just a good idea—it can prevent life-threatening complications. I’ve watched doctors dig through patient charts to sort out whether that extra potassium could tip someone into arrhythmia or cardiac arrest.
The adrenal glands help balance electrolytes, including potassium and sodium. Folks living with Addison’s disease or other adrenal insufficiency conditions are especially sensitive to swings in electrolytes. For these patients, potassium citrate anhydrous just adds fuel to an already dangerous fire. In some clinics, doctors order tests first, since just one misstep can create havoc with blood pressure and nerve signaling.
Potassium supplements sometimes irritate the stomach lining, which makes existing ulcers or bleeding issues worse. Doctors like to steer people with peptic ulcers or active GI bleeding away from potassium citrate, since they already face inflammation and bleeding risks. Swallowing pills or powders with a raw, hurting stomach brings more pain, more symptoms, and very little benefit.
Anyone with a history of severe dehydration, untreated burns, or significant tissue breakdown also faces higher risks with potassium citrate. These situations can already drive potassium up in the body. Mixing in more may seem harmless, but the numbers clearly point to rising complications.
Treating low potassium calls for a doctor’s careful eye, along with updated labs. Before grabbing any potassium form, talking with a physician who knows your health history makes sense. For most people, potassium in a balanced diet is the safest route. Comfort with a supplement doesn’t match up to the personalized advice from someone checking your kidney, heart, and medication history. Making smart choices day by day—based on the facts and your health—matters more than following the latest supplement trend.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Tripotassium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate |
| Other names |
Tripotassium Citrate Potassium Citrate Citrate of Potash E332 E332(i) |
| Pronunciation | /pəˌtæsiəm ˈsɪtreɪt ænˈhaɪdrəs/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 6100-05-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3568113 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:62914 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201500 |
| ChemSpider | 5326 |
| DrugBank | DB04044 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03f1e277-0731-483a-b023-60caa2c16e3f |
| EC Number | E332i |
| Gmelin Reference | 8283 |
| KEGG | C00741 |
| MeSH | D020146 |
| PubChem CID | 8613 |
| RTECS number | **TT2975000** |
| UNII | RU8B522ULY |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | K3C6H5O7 |
| Molar mass | 324.41 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.98 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Very soluble in water |
| log P | -3.3 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.5 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -51.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.465 |
| Dipole moment | 0 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 309.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -2292.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A12BA02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS statement: "Warning |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: **"Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)."** |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-1 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5400 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral-rat LD50: 5400 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 300‑2000 mg daily |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Potassium citrate monohydrate Sodium citrate Citric acid Potassium chloride Trisodium citrate |
