Duopharma Potcit Mixture

Duopharma Potcit Mixture is an oral liquid formulation containing potassium citrate monohydrate at a strength of 540 mg per 5 mL as its active ingredient. It is manufactured by Duopharma Biotech, a Malaysia-based pharmaceutical company, and is supplied as a clear, orally administered mixture measured out using a dosing spoon or measuring cup. Potassium citrate monohydrate is a potassium salt of citric acid and belongs to the pharmacological class of urinary alkalinizing agents.

Potcit Mixture is sold in Malaysia as an over-the-counter (OTC) preparation, meaning it can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, although pharmacist counselling is advisable given its potassium content and the range of medicines it can interact with. It is typically supplied in bottled form, with common retail pack sizes ranging from 60 mL to 200 mL depending on the pharmacy.

As a liquid preparation, Potcit Mixture differs from tablet or effervescent forms of potassium citrate, which may suit patients who have difficulty swallowing solid dosage forms or who need finer dose adjustment. The mixture should be shaken well before each use, as some settling of the active ingredient can occur in liquid formulations over time.

• Shake the bottle thoroughly before each use to ensure the active ingredient is evenly distributed.
• Measure the prescribed dose using a proper dosing spoon or oral measuring cup — do not estimate with household spoons.
• The measured dose may be taken diluted in a glass of water to make it more palatable.
• Take the dose after meals, as this may reduce the likelihood of stomach discomfort.
• Follow the dosing frequency and duration advised by your doctor or pharmacist, and do not exceed the recommended dose.

The typical adult dose is 10 mL to 30 mL, taken three to four times daily, or as otherwise directed by a doctor or pharmacist. Dosing may be adjusted based on individual response and any blood test monitoring your doctor has arranged. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time of the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped — do not double up doses to compensate. Stop use and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve after a few days of use, or if new symptoms such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or persistent gastrointestinal upset develop.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging. Once opened, follow any in-use shelf-life guidance printed on the label, as liquid formulations may have a shorter in-use period than the unopened shelf life.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use, and keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use if the liquid shows unusual discolouration, cloudiness, or particles that do not disperse on shaking.

• Common: mild stomach discomfort or upset.
• Common: nausea.
• Common: loose stools or mild diarrhoea.
• Common: a slight metallic or salty taste after dosing.
• Serious: signs of raised blood potassium (hyperkalaemia) such as muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, or an irregular or slow heartbeat — these require urgent medical attention as they can affect heart rhythm.

• Known hypersensitivity to potassium citrate or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• Hyperkalaemia (raised blood potassium) or conditions predisposing to it.
• Severe kidney impairment, where the kidneys cannot adequately excrete excess potassium.
• Untreated Addison’s disease or other conditions causing adrenal insufficiency.
• Acute dehydration or severe tissue breakdown (e.g. major burns), which raise the risk of hyperkalaemia.

• ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can raise blood potassium further when taken with potassium citrate, increasing hyperkalaemia risk.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene should not be combined without medical supervision, as this can lead to dangerously high potassium levels.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce kidney excretion of potassium and should be used cautiously alongside this product.
• Salt substitutes or supplements that already contain potassium should be avoided unless a doctor has advised otherwise, to prevent cumulative potassium intake.
• No specific food interactions are established; taking the dose after meals is recommended mainly to reduce stomach upset.

• Always shake the bottle before measuring a dose.
• Use the manufacturer-supplied measuring device rather than a kitchen spoon for dosing accuracy.
• Diluting the dose in water can make it easier to take.
• Keep track of any other potassium-containing supplements or salt substitutes you are using.
• Stay adequately hydrated while taking this product unless your doctor has advised fluid restriction.
• Keep up with any blood tests your doctor has scheduled to monitor potassium levels.

Precautions: Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and only under medical advice, as potassium supplementation should be monitored in these situations. Elderly patients and those with any degree of kidney impairment should have their potassium levels monitored more closely, since their ability to excrete excess potassium may be reduced.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice promptly if you notice muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, an irregular heartbeat, or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea while taking this product. Speak with a pharmacist before starting Potcit Mixture if you are already taking any medicine that affects potassium levels or kidney function.