Disodium Hydrogen Citrate

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Disodium hydrogen citrate is available for use via the oral route (syrup).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is meant for adults and children above 6 years of age.

Contraindications

• Disodium hydrogen citrate is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment accompanied by oliguria (reduced urinary output), azotemia (a condition of high nitrogen and waste products in the blood), anuria (lack of urine production), untreated Addison’s disease, acute dehydration, heat cramps, or severe damage to the heart following a heart attack. Additionally, sodium salts are not recommended for patients following a sodium-restricted diet.

Other Medications To Avoid With This Medicine

• It is not advised to administer aluminium antacids and citrate salts concurrently, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency. Anti-diabetic medicines like chlorpropamide, medicines used for the management of bipolar disorder like lithium, anti-cancer medicines like methotrexate, antibiotics like tetracyclines and methenamine, pain-relieving medicines like salicylates should be used with caution along with disodium hydrogen citrate.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdose of this medication may cause symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, hypernoia (excessive mental activity), fluid accumulation and swelling and convulsions. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor and follow the advice accordingly.
• If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But avoid repeating the dose.

Management Of Side Effects

• Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• This medication will not affect your driving or ability to handle heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding should be done only if recommended by the doctor.

Caution In Other Conditions

• When using disodium hydrogen citrate, caution should be exercised in patients with conditions involving sodium retention, such as oedema, congestive heart failure, hypertension, pulmonary or peripheral oedema, or toxaemia of pregnancy. Monitoring serum electrolytes, especially serum bicarbonate levels, is recommended for patients with renal disease. Patients with low urinary output or reduced glomerular filtration rates should be treated cautiously. Additionally, caution is advised when administering blood products containing citrate to patients with acute liver failure.

Special Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendation

• Staying hydrated by consuming ample fluids, which aid in eliminating surplus minerals, is recommended to promote kidney health. 
• Restricting salt intake is advisable, as excessive salt can increase the chances of kidney stones. Additionally, maintaining an average weight through regular exercise is beneficial. 
• Avoiding foods high in oxalates, like spinach, nuts, okra, dates, avocado, hot chocolate, cocoa, baked potatoes, French fries, and certain cereals, is also advised, as they may elevate the risk of oxalate stone formation.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions