In response to recent discussions on the PedNeph listserv concerning the availability of the alkalinizing agents Polycitra® and Polycitra-K®, the following information has been compiled by Kara Bozik PharmD from UNC-Chapel Hill as a guide for ASPN members.

According to Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals medical information department, sister company to Janssen, the products are not being discontinued in the United States. Jom Pharmaceuticals is still providing services to the pharmaceutical companies for the following products: Polycitra® syrup (16 oz.), Polycitra®-K (16 oz.), Polycitra®-K crystals unit dose cups, Polycitra®-LC (16 oz.), and Bicitra® (16 oz.). Liquid formulations of various citrate/citric acid products are provided below.

		Na+ (per ml)	K+ (per ml)	Bicarbonate (per ml)
Crystals
Polycitra®-K	Potassium citrate monohydrate 1100mg + citric acid monohydrate 334mg per 5mL	___	2 mEq	2 mEq
Oral Solution
Modified Shohl’s, Bicitra® (alcohol free)	Sodium citrate dihydrate 500mg + citric acid monohydrate 334mg per 5mL	1 mEq	___	1 mEq
Oracit®	Sodium citrate 490mg + citric acid 640mg per 5mL	1 mEq	___	1 mEq
Polycitra®-K (alcohol free)	Potassium citrate monohydrate 1100mg + citric acid monohydrate 334mg per 5mL	___	2 mEq	2 mEq
Syrup
Polycitra®-LC (alcohol & sugar free)	Potassium citrate monohydrate 550mg + sodium citrate dihydrate 500mg + citric acid monohydrate 334mg per 5mL	1 mEq	1 mEq	2 mEq
Polycitra® (alcohol free)	Potassium citrate monohydrate 550mg + sodium citrate dihydrate 500mg + citric acid monohydrate 334mg per 5mL	1 mEq	1 mEq	2 mEq

In Canada neither Polycitra® nor Polycitra-K® will remain on the market. Polycitra-K® is being discontinued completely. However, Polycitra® (plain) will be available only through a special access program for Canadian physicians and their patients. The Ortho-McNeil/Janssen-Cilag representative said there are no generics or substitutes comparable to Polycitra® or Polycitra-K® available in Canada.

Another product mentioned through the PedNeph listserv is potassium citrate effervescent tablets (K-Lyte®) which contains 25 mEq of potassium. K-Lyte® is made by Wellspring Pharmaceuticals (1-866-337-4500).