Sodium Citrate-Citric Acid Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is used to make the urine less acidic. Urine that is less acidic helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, helping to prevent gout and certain types of kidney stones (urate). This medication can also prevent and treat certain metabolic problems (acidosis) caused by kidney disease.Citric acid and citrate salts (which contain potassium and sodium) belong to a class of drugs known as urinary alkalinizers. Because some conditions require you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, your doctor’s choice of product may depend on how much potassium and sodium you can take.

How to use Sodium CITRATE & CITRIC Acid

Shake the container well before each dose. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day. To help prevent diarrhea and stomach upset, take each dose after a meal, and mix your prescribed dose of medication in a full glass (4 to 8 ounces or 120 to 240 milliliters) of cold water or juice just before taking, or take as directed by your doctor. Drink the entire mixture slowly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions.

The liquid form of this medication must be mixed with at least 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of water or juice before taking.

Refrigerating the mixture before drinking may improve the taste. Drink more water or juice after taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor’s approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

While taking this medication, you may need to test the pH (acidity) of your urine using special paper. The pH will help determine the proper dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur. Mixing the medication with water or juice, taking it after meals, and drinking more fluids will help prevent these side effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, restlessness), muscle spasms, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a sodium-restricted diet, mineral imbalance (such as high sodium or low calcium levels), extra fluid in the body (such as swelling of arms/legs, fluid in the lungs), high blood pressure, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney disease.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Because this medication contains salt (sodium), tell your doctor if you are on a salt-restricted diet.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication may worsen high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia of pregnancy). Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: antacids that contain aluminum, aspirin and other salicylates (such as salsalate), lithium, quinidine.

If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Does Sodium CITRATE & CITRIC Acid interact with other drugs you are taking?

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle spasms, seizures.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as sodium levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

sodium citrate-citric acid 500 mg-334 mg/5 mL oral solution

Color: colorlessShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a colorless, grape, solution

sodium citrate-citric acid 500 mg-334 mg/5 mL oral solution

Color: colorlessShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a colorless, grape, solution

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Drug Survey

Are you currently using Sodium CITRATE & CITRIC Acid?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Is Sodium Citrate Bad For You?

Grade

C

Short answer

As a food additive, sodium citrate is not bad for you – as such small amounts are used. When used as a medicine, more caution should be taken. It can interact with various medications and can harm those with certain pre-existing conditions, such as hyperkalemia.

Grade

C

C

A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.

View Full Grading System

Category ‘A’

A+

Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an ‘A+’ are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).

A

Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.

A-

Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren’t usually serious.

It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an ‘A+’, overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.

Category ‘B’

B+

Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a ‘B+’ may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.

B

Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a ‘B’ may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.

B-

More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn’t be overlooked.

The main difference between category ‘A’ and category ‘B’ is the harmful qualities typically present in ‘B’ items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.

Category ‘C’

C+

Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a ‘C+’ are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.

C

A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.

C-

More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.

Category ‘C’ usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.

Category ‘D’

D+

Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.

D

Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.

D-

Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.

Category ‘D’ is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn’t hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating ‘D’ items as a regular part of your routine/diet.

Category ‘F’

F

Category ‘F’ is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of ‘F’ items are usually very serious.

Category ‘N’

N

‘N’ stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.

Long answer

Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is commonly used in food as a flavor enhancer or preservative. It is what gives many sodas their sour and slightly salty taste. When used in foods, it is highly unlikely to cause any adverse effects, as amounts used are very small. However, sodium citrate also has medical application. In this case, there are a few things to be aware of. 

When used as a medicine, sodium citrate treats kidney problems (e.g. kidney stones) and metabolic acidosis. The latter, put simply, is a buildup of excess acid in the body’s fluids. Sodium citrate has an alkalizing effect, hence its ability to stabilize body systems that are too acidic. 

While sodium citrate is usually safe, it does carry some risks. For one thing, it interacts with several different types of medicine, especially those containing aluminum. Furthermore, people with hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) and/or heart problems should avoid sodium citrate. Additionally, it may cause hypernatremia, which is excess sodium in the blood. Symptoms of hypernatremia include drowsiness and weakness. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures and death. Lastly, sodium citrate may cause an allergic reaction in some people. As with any medication, speak to your doctor if you have any other illnesses or are taking other drugs before you take sodium citrate.

Possible short-term side effects

• allergic reaction
• 
  dizziness
• 
  weakness
• 
  restlessness

Possible long-term side effects

• hypernatremia

Commonly found in

• soda
• carbonated water
• sodium citrate itself is used as a medication

Benefits

• used to treat kidney stones
• 
  used to treat metabolic acidosis
• 
  preserves flavor in drinks

Suggest improvement or correction to this article
Written by Jeff Volling |
02-25-2016

02-25-2016
Written by Jeff Volling
Suggest improvement or correction

E331 – Sodium citrate | Additives no

Other additive names (synonyms)

sodium citrate, sodium citrate, sodium citrates, E331, E-331, sodium citrate, E 331, sodium citrate, E-331, sodium citrate, E 331

General information

Sodium citrate ( lat. Natrii citras ) is the sodium salt of citric acid, which is used in the food industry as food additive E331. Sodium citrate is used as an emulsifier or stabilizer and is included in the group of antioxidants. It is used as a seasoning that helps to improve the taste of the product (due to the sour-salty taste of food additive E331, it was called “sour salt”). Another function of the stabilizer E331 is to control the acidity of a number of dishes (in particular gelatin-based desserts), as well as to regulate the level of acidity in coffee machines.

Sodium citrate was first used in 1914 in the process of blood transfusion as an anticoagulant. Later, the additive began to be used in the food industry in the form of a solution.

Today, sodium citrate is commercially produced by neutralizing citric acid with a source of sodium (such as caustic soda) and then crystallizing it.

Three types of sodium citrate are used in industry, each of which corresponds to a subtype of food additive E331 with the addition of a suffix in the form of Roman numerals:

• additive E331(i) – sodium citrate 1-substituted or monosodium citrate (aqueous and anhydrous). Chemical formula: NaC ₆ H ₆ O ₇ ;
• additive E331(ii) – 2-substituted sodium citrate, disodium citrate, (aqueous). Chemical formula: Na ₂ C ₆ H ₆ O ₇ ∙1.5∙H ₂ O;
• Additive E331(iii) – 3-substituted sodium citrate, trisodium citrate (aqueous and anhydrous). Chemical formula: Na ₃ C ₆ H ₆ O ₇ .

The most popular is 2-aqueous sodium citrate, which has a high concentration of the main substance and is excellent for long-term storage.

Food additive E331 is highly soluble in water, non-flammable, non-explosive, non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. However, inhalation of sodium citrate powder can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract.

Main parameters of food additive E331:

• Taste – specific, sour-salty.
• Color – white.
• Smell – no.
• Consistency – fine crystalline powder.

Effects on the body

Benefits

Not in the food industry, sodium citrate is often used as a drug for the treatment of cystitis, blood stabilization. It helps to reduce heartburn and reduce the effects of a hangover.

Sodium citrates are present in the human body, where they participate in the metabolic process, nourish the cells with energy. As an antioxidant, food supplement E331 protects cell membranes from free radical attack.

In addition, sodium citrate is able to eliminate heartburn, relieve hangover.

Harm

Dietary supplement E331 may have negative effects on the body. When using sodium citrate in medicines, the following side effects are indicated:

• increased blood pressure,
• decreased appetite,
• nausea,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting.

E331 supplemented foodstuffs reduce this harm to a minimum, since sodium citrate is found in food in much lower doses than in medicines. There is no evidence that the food additive E331 caused serious harm to health.

Use

In the food industry, sodium citrate is used in the manufacture of:

• carbonated drinks,
• drinks flavored with lime or lemon,
• marshmallows,
• soufflé,
• marmalade,
• processed cheeses,
• baby food,
• yoghurts,
• milk powder,
• sterilized and pasteurized milk,
• dairy products,
• canned milk, the manufacture of which requires prolonged heating of milk.

Food additive E331 used:

• To improve taste (mostly drinks and seasonings),
• As an acidity regulator (in products like jelly, marmalade, jam, infant formula),
• As an emulsifier (for processed cheeses, mayonnaise),
• As a color fixative (for sausages and meat products),
• As a stabilizer (for yogurt, condensed milk, powdered milk, fermented milk products).

In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium citrate is used in the manufacture of all dosage forms of vitamin C – it enhances the effect of ascorbic acid. Also, monosodium citrate is one of the components of a preservative solution for storing blood. Sodium citrate is effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

In the cosmetic industry, food additive E331 is added to shampoos and liquid soaps to regulate the acid-base balance.

Legislation

Additive E331 is included in the list of additives approved for use in the food industry in Russia and most countries of the world.
In the Codex Alimentarius, sodium citrates are allowed in 12 standards – they can be used as stabilizers and acidity regulators.

Products with additive “E331”

Sodium citrate – benefits and harms

Food additive E331 is found in many products. This alphanumeric code hides the sodium salt of citric acid, or sodium citrate, the benefits and harms of which are not known to all consumers. That is why they treat this ingredient with caution.

What is sodium citrate?

In appearance it is a white powder with a fine crystalline structure, which is easily soluble in water, odorless. It is non-toxic and does not cause any discomfort when it comes into contact with the skin.

Sodium citrate was first obtained at the beginning of the last century. It is not for nothing that this additive is called “sour salt” for its specific salty-sour taste, which gives a special piquancy to jelly desserts and confectionery. Pharmacists also know about the benefits and harms of sodium citrate firsthand, since it is used in the manufacture of medicines. They are also added to canned milk, fermented milk products, shampoos and hair care products.

The effect of sodium citrate on the body

This substance prevents blood clotting, so it is used as an anticoagulant in transfusions. Also, when taken orally, it is able to normalize the acidity of the stomach, so it is used in the manufacture of remedies for heartburn, hangovers. Sodium citrate can stimulate the intestines, so it is also included in laxative preparations.

Is sodium citrate harmful?

As a food additive, the substance is officially recognized as safe for human health. However, experts note that research in this area has not been comprehensive enough. Sodium citrate, which is found in medicines, can be harmful. They can cause abdominal pain, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.

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