Each 100 ml oral solution contains Potassium Citrate BP 30 gm and Citric Acid Monohydrate BP 5 gm.
Potassium Citrate is absorbed and metabolized to Potassium Bicarbonate, thus acting as a systemic alkalinized. The effects are essentially those of chlorides before absorption and those of bicarbonates subsequently. Oxidation is virtually complete so that less than 5% of the Potassium Citrate is excreted in the urine unchanged. It alkalinizes the urine without producing a systemic alkalosis in the recommended dosage.
To relieve discomfort in UTI:
Adults and children over 6 years: Alken 10 ml solution three times daily. Alken Oral solution should be taken diluted with one glass of water (250 ml) followed by additional water if required.
To prevent kidney stone, acidosis caused by kidney disease, with the uricosuric agent to prevent gout:
Adults and children over 6 years: 10-15 ml 4 times daily or as directed by the physician, diluted with 1 glass of water.
With medicine: Concurrent administration of Potassium containing or sparing medication may lead to hyperkalemia. May interact with cardiac glycosides. Citrates alkalinize the urine and thus may alter the urinary excretion of a number of drugs. Particularly noteworthy is the diminished anti-bacterial activity of nitrofurantoin.
With food and others: consult with a physician about diet and medication while taking Alken oral solution.
Alken oral solution is contraindicated in hyperkalemia, renal dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmia, Addison’s disease, and in known hypersensitivity to Potassium Citrate or any other ingredient of the product.
Common: Alken oral solution generally well tolerated without any unpleasant side effects when given in recommended doses to patients with normal renal function and urinary output.
Rare: In some cases, Mild nausea and occasionally vomiting may occur due to gastric irritation.
Overdose
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and symptoms due to hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Fluid and electrolyte balance together with ECG should be closely monitored. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Moderate to severe hyperkalemia is a medical emergency requiring prompt correction.
There are no adequate data for the use of Alken oral solution in pregnant women. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to effects on pregnancy. The potential risk to humans is unknown. Alken oral solution should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and on the advice of a physician.
Alken oral solution can be used to provide symptomatic relief only and is not an anti-bacterial. Effective anti-bacterial therapy should be co-prescribed. It should be used with caution when renal or cardiac dysfunction is present. Citrate mobilizes calcium from bones and increases its urinary excretion. This together with raised urinary pH may predispose to the formation of stones in the urinary tract.