Question: Male, age 67. Successful lithotripsy to shatter 5-6mm kidney stone, left kidney, on April 6. Stone was causing no pain, but had apparently shifted Feb. 20 causing mild blood in urine, some pain, which died off after 24 hours. Only one prior incidence of kidney stone about eight or more years ago, which had passed on its own after several hours of drinking fluids. (I'm taking 200 mg of alluporinol for gout, which is under control. Uric acid level in blood 4.3, no glomular filtration issues.) 24-hour urine test revealed no issues except that urine was deficient in citrate. (Given the fact that I have IBS and have eschewed fruits and vegetables and overindulged in chocolate and animal protein for years, this is no shock. I have since jettisoned chocolate, incorporated some fruits and veggies into diet, and more liquids.) Okay, so here's my question -- my urologist immediately prescribed potassium citrate (UROCIT-K) 10 MEQ (1080 MG) SR tablet -- 2 tabs (20 mEq) by mouth 2 times a day. That's 120 tablets a month. The price of this medication is outrageous -- cheapest I could find with discount card is $125 for a one-month supply. So cost is an issue. And more important, shouldn't the urologist (who wants me to come back in 6 weeks after doing another 24-hr urine test, blood test for PSAs, and abdominal x-ray) have discussed dietary changes before prescribing such a heavy dose of potassium citrate, or potassium citrate at all (stone fragments are out being analyzed as I write)? Also, altho' I had partial script filled, I'm almost afraid to take the stuff. I have IBS, and though the pills are sustained release, they could rip my gut. And is it safe to take this much potassium citrate on a regular basis (not to mention the fact that there is NO WAY I'm gonna be taking two of these a day for the rest of my life)? Yes, I know it may seem unprofessional to second guess a colleague, but I need a second opinion here. I called my urologist, got an office nurse who didn't know her ass from her elbow and who was of no help at all.