Effercitrate Effervescent Tablets 12

What is Effercitrate Effervescent Tablets 12?

Effercitrate is an effervescent tablet that you dissolve in a glass of water. It is for the symptoms of cystitis, the burning and stinging when you pass urine and the feeling of needing to go often, and can be started while you wait to see whether an infection is confirmed. It relieves the discomfort; it does not kill bacteria, so a confirmed infection still needs the right antibiotic course.

How does it help?

Potassium citrate is converted in the body to bicarbonate, which makes the urine less acidic. Acidic urine stings the inflamed lining of the bladder and urethra, so making it more alkaline takes the edge off the burning while the body, or a prescribed antibiotic, deals with the cause. Adults and children over 6 take two tablets dissolved in water up to three times a day, with or after food.

Key benefits

• Eases the stinging and burning of mild cystitis while symptoms settle or a urine result is awaited
• Dissolved in a full glass of water, which also helps you keep fluids up
• Suitable for adults and children aged 6 and over
• Available without a prescription in a small pack for short-term use

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. Do not take if you have kidney problems, high potassium levels, a heart rhythm disorder, untreated Addison's disease or are very dehydrated. Do not take with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water tablets such as spironolactone, amiloride or triamterene, or blood-pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors (for example ramipril) or 'sartans', as all of these raise potassium. It reduces the effect of nitrofurantoin, a common cystitis antibiotic, so do not take the two together. Take extra care if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or are elderly. Always dissolve the tablets fully in water and take with or after meals to reduce stomach irritation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to a doctor before use. See our pharmacist or your GP if symptoms do not improve within two days, or if you have a fever, back pain or blood in your urine, or if the person affected is male, pregnant or a child.