Home
Individuals and Families
Health and Wellness
Wellness Library
citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate

citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate

Pronunciation: SIT rik AS id, poe TASS ee um, and SOE dee um SI trate

Brand: Tricitrates

What is the most important information I should know about this medicine?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate?

Citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate is a combination medicine that helps make your urine less acidic. Sometimes called a urinary alkalizer, this medicine is used to treat acidosis or to prevent gout or kidney stones.

Citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking this medicine?

You should not use this medicine if you have:

  • severe kidney disease;
  • decreased urination;
  • severe heart damage (such as from a prior heart attack);
  • untreated Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder); or
  • if you are on a low-salt diet or a low-potassium diet.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney problems;
  • heart problems, high blood pressure;
  • toxemia of pregnancy;
  • swelling in your hands or feet, or in your lungs (pulmonary edema); or
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or calcium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take this medicine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

This medicine is usually taken after meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Mix the medicine with at least 4 ounces of water or juice. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.

You will need frequent blood and urine tests.

Store in a tightly-closed container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and freezing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, unusual thoughts, or a seizure.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Antacids that contain aluminum can interact with this medicine and cause serious side effects.

Avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes without your doctor's advice.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • swelling or severe pain in your stomach;
  • vomiting;
  • black or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
  • high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting; or
  • diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect this medicine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • digoxin, digitalis;
  • a diuretic or "water pill" --amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, triamterene; or
  • heart or blood pressure medication --benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

© 2019 Cigna. All rights reserved
Language Assistance

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance plans are insured by CGLIC. Life (other than GUL), accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and disability plans are insured or administered by Life Insurance Company of North America, except in NY, where insured plans are offered by Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

 Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details