Nephrofit

Potassium Citrate (1100mg) + Magnesium Citrate (375mg) + Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (20mg)
Price: ₹260 - ₹320 for 10 tablets strip (MRP)
Mfr: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination supplement primarily used for the management and prevention of recurrent calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate and pH. It also addresses magnesium and vitamin B6 deficiencies. Potassium citrate acts as an alkalinizing agent, magnesium citrate inhibits stone formation, and pyridoxine reduces oxalate synthesis.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet orally, twice daily, after meals with a full glass of water. For stone prevention, often taken at bedtime and with morning meal. Dosage may be titrated based on 24-hour urinary citrate and pH. Maximum: 2 tablets twice daily under medical supervision.

Note: Take after meals to minimize GI upset. Swallow whole with 200-250 mL of water. Do not crush or chew. Maintain adequate fluid intake (at least 2-2.5 L/day). Space at least 2 hours apart from tetracycline, quinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, and iron supplements.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²) or anuria
  • Hyperkalemia (serum K+ >5.0 mEq/L)
  • Addison's disease
  • Severe or acute dehydration
  • Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis
  • Known hypersensitivity to any component

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Potassium Citrate: Dissociates to provide potassium ions and citrate. Citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate, raising blood and urinary pH. Increased urinary citrate binds calcium, reducing calcium oxalate and phosphate supersaturation and inhibiting crystal growth. Magnesium Citrate: Provides magnesium ions which compete with calcium for oxalate binding in the gut and urine, forming soluble magnesium oxalate, thus reducing free oxalate available for stone formation. It also may inhibit calcium oxalate crystal growth. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): A cofactor for enzymes involved in oxalate metabolism, specifically alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT). Adequate B6 reduces the hepatic production of oxalate, a key component of calcium oxalate stones.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Diarrhea (due to magnesium)
  • Loose stools
  • Mild gastrointestinal irritation

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category A (Indian FDA/Pregnancy Category not officially assigned for combo). Considered likely safe when used at recommended doses for indicated conditions. Potassium and magnesium are essential nutrients. High-dose Vitamin B6 (>100 mg/day) not recommended. Use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision.

Driving: Usually no effect. However, if hypermagnesemia causes drowsiness, dizziness, or muscle weakness, patients should avoid driving or operating machinery.

🔄 Drug Interactions

ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Ramipril)Increased risk of severe hyperkalemiaMajor
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs e.g., Losartan)Increased risk of severe hyperkalemiaMajor
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone, Amiloride)Increased risk of severe hyperkalemiaMajor
NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)May reduce renal potassium excretion, increasing hyperkalemia riskModerate
DigoxinHyperkalemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity. Hypomagnesemia (if present) increases digoxin toxicity risk.Moderate
Neuromuscular Blocking AgentsMagnesium can potentiate and prolong neuromuscular blockadeMajor
Quinolone/Tetracycline Antibiotics, Bisphosphonates, LevothyroxineMagnesium and calcium can form insoluble complexes, reducing absorption of these drugsModerate
AnticholinergicsIncreased risk of magnesium retention and toxicity due to reduced GI motilityModerate
LevodopaVitamin B6 (>5 mg) can accelerate peripheral metabolism of levodopa, reducing efficacy in Parkinson's disease (not a concern with carbidopa/levodopa combinations)Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Nephrofit

Same composition (Potassium Citrate (1100mg) + Magnesium Citrate (375mg) + Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (20mg)), different brands:

Urolyt-XL Urocit-K-Mg + B6 Potcit-M + B6 Alkacit-M + B6