CITRIC ACID/SODIUM CITRATE - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Bicitra, Cytra-2, Oracit, Shohl's
Phonetic Pronunciation: (SO-dee-um SYE-trate/SIT-rick)
Information last revised May 2010
What does NA CITRATE/CITRIC ACID ORAL look like?
Cytra-2 500 mg-334 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
Oracit 490 mg-640 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
Bicitra 500 mg-334 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
Oracit 490 mg-640 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
sodium citrate-citric acid 500 mg-334 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
Liqui-Dualcitra 500 mg-334 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
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.
Missed Dose
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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Shake the container well before each dose. Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. 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.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: antacids that contain aluminum. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aspirin and other salicylates (e.g., salsalate), lithium, quinidine, stimulants/decongestants (e.g., amphetamine, pseudoephedrine). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., sodium levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle spasms, seizures.
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. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease (e.g., unable to make urine), sodium-restricted diet, high sodium levels. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain breathing problem (pulmonary edema), low calcium levels, high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney disease, swollen ankles/legs/feet due to retaining water (peripheral edema). 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 not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not freeze. Protect from heat. 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
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 persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, restlessness), muscle spasms, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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