What is sodium citrate and citric acid?

Sodium citrate and citric acid are both alkalinizing agents that make the urine less acidic.

The combination of sodium citrate and citric acid is used to prevent gout or kidney stones, or metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems.

What are the precautions for taking sodium citrate and citric acid?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• kidney failure;

• severe heart damage (such as from a prior heart attack);

• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);

• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or

• if you are severely dehydrated or have heat cramps.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take citric acid and sodium citrate, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;

• congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, or history of heart attack;

• other heart disease or high blood pressure;

• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);

• a urinary tract infection;

• toxemia of pregnancy;

• urination problems (or if you are unable to urinate);

• swelling of your hands or feet, or in your lungs (pulmonary edema); or

• chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

It is not known if this drug will harm an unborn baby. Before taking citric acid and sodium citrate, tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether citric acid and sodium citrate pass into breast milk or if they could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are the possible side effects of sodium citrate and citric acid?

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

Stop using this drug and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet;

• Muscle twitching or pain, leg pain or cramping;

• unusual weakness, fast and shallow breathing, fast or slow heart rate, dizziness, confusion, or mood changes;

• Feeling restless, nervous, or irritable;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• severe or persistent diarrhea; or

• Seizures (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea or vomiting, stomach pain;

• mild or occasional diarrhea; or

• Mild stomach pain.