Alkalinizing Agents: A Review of Prescription, Over-the-Counter, and Medical Food Supplements.

Authors

Karen L. Stern, Mayo Clinic
Noah Canvasser, University of California Davis
Michael Borofsky, University of Minnesota
Vanessa M. Gleason, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Guido Kamphuis, AMC
Marawan M. El Tayeb, Baylor Scott and White Hospital
Ryan Hsi, Vanderbilt University
Kymora B. Scotland, University of California Los Angeles

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2020

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Journal of Endourology, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2020, Pages 1-6.

Final publication is available from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers: https://doi.org/10.1089/end.2019.0292.

Abstract

Introduction

Kidney stones affect 1 in every 11 people in the United States each year. There is a significant high recurrence rate without a stone prevention protocol. Alkali citrate is beneficial in decreasing stone recurrence, but due to the cost and gastrointestinal side effects there is a low adherence rate. This study aims to serve as a review of some of the most commonly used alkalizing over‐ the‐ counter supplements that are advertised to prevent and treat kidney stones.

Methods

Data was gathered by a comprehensive online literature search and company inquiries for kidney stone prevention supplements. An additional informal poll of the authors selected supplements that are most commonly taken by their patients. A total of eight supplements were evaluated for cost, alkali equivalent provided, dosing and regulatory information.

Results

Eight of the most commonly used supplements were reviewed with a focus on alkalizing agents. Information reviewed revealed dosing recommendations resulting in decreased citrate alkali equivalents per day compared to prescription‐strength potassium citrate. Cost, peer‐reviewed study results and regulatory data were reviewed, tabulated and analyzed. Cost per alkali equivalent was substantially decreased for each supplement compared to the prescribed drug. All supplements were found to be readily available online.

Conclusion

Over‐ the‐ counter alkalizing agents are available to patients and may be an appropriate alternative to cost prohibitive potassium citrate when treating urolithiasis patients. Additional testing will be necessary in the future to determine the efficacy of these supplements in the treatment and prevention of urinary stone disease.

Recommended Citation

Stern, Karen L.; Canvasser, Noah; Borofsky, Michael; Gleason, Vanessa M.; Kamphuis, Guido; El Tayeb, Marawan M.; Hsi, Ryan; and Scotland, Kymora B., "Alkalinizing Agents: A Review of Prescription, Over-the-Counter, and Medical Food Supplements." (2020). Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations. Paper 18.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/tjuhpapers/18

Language

English