Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
About Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is a liquid medicine primarily used to make the urine less acidic. It is commonly suggested to relieve the painful burning sensation associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and to treat kidney stones. Additionally, it helps manage conditions like gout by preventing the buildup of uric acid crystals in the body.
For best results, this medicine is taken regularly and consistently exactly as directed by your doctor. It should always be diluted with a glass of water and is best taken after meals to prevent any stomach discomfort. Drinking plenty of water and making specific dietary adjustments can significantly improve how well this medicine works.
While taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate, you might experience mild side effects like a mild upset stomach, nausea, or loose stools. Most of these symptoms are temporary and go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, you should consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, muscle cramps, or swelling in your hands or feet.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have underlying health conditions, especially high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems. Do not take this if you have severe kidney failure, high levels of sodium in your blood, or severe dehydration.
This medicine can interact with other treatments, such as certain blood pressure medications, water pills, or antacids containing aluminium. It is also important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions in older adults.
Uses of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
Medicinal Benefits
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate provides practical, real-world relief for patients dealing with painful urinary and metabolic conditions. By targeting the underlying acidity in your body, it offers several key benefits:
- Rapid relief from burning: Quickly eases the sharp, burning discomfort felt during urination, making daily life much more comfortable.
- Prevention of kidney stones: Helps keep your kidneys clear and functioning smoothly by preventing painful stone blockages.
- Joint comfort in gout: Minimises the risk of painful joint swelling and inflammation associated with gout by keeping uric acid levels stable.
- Easy oral liquid form: The liquid form is easy to swallow and quickly absorbed, making it a convenient option for individuals of all ages.
Directions for Use
- Disodium Hydrogen Citrate can be taken after meals to prevent stomach upset or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Dilute the recommended dose of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate in a glass of water and take it orally.
- Shake well before use.
Storage
Side Effects of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach or mild abdominal cramping
- Nausea or occasional vomiting
- Loose stools or mild diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, and throat
- Severe muscle weakness, muscle twitches, or cramps
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or lower legs
- Rapid, unexplained weight gain or severe shortness of breath
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Always inspect the liquid inside the bottle before taking your dose; do not use it if you notice any unusual colour changes, cloudiness, or floating particles.
- Never drink this medicine straight from the bottle without diluting it first, as undiluted liquid can irritate your mouth and stomach.
- If you are on a strictly controlled low-sodium diet, consult your doctor, as this medicine contains sodium.
- Do not take antacids containing aluminium within two hours of taking your dose, as this can lead to harmful aluminium absorption.
- Keep a record of your symptoms and share them with your doctor to ensure the treatment is working effectively.
Drug Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminium: May increase the absorption of aluminium into your body, which can be harmful.
- Lithium: May decrease the effectiveness of lithium by causing your body to clear it more quickly.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics: May affect the balance of essential minerals in your blood when taken together.
- Certain blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors): May alter mineral levels in your blood, requiring careful monitoring.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor before taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate; your doctor will decide whether Disodium Hydrogen Citrate can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Disodium Hydrogen Citrate affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorLimited information is available regarding the usage of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate in patients with hepatic impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
unsafeAvoid taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate if you have kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney dysfunction or any concerns regarding this.
Children
consult your doctorLimited information is available regarding the usage of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate in children. Please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day (at least 8 to 10 glasses) to help your kidneys flush out excess acid and prevent stone formation.
- Reduce high-purine foods: If you are treating gout or kidney stones, limit your intake of red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol.
- Lower your sodium intake: Avoid adding extra salt to your meals, as high sodium levels can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Eat more citrus fruits: Incorporate moderate amounts of lemons, oranges, and limes into your diet, as they naturally help keep your urine less acidic.
Special Advise
- Disodium Hydrogen Citrate might interfere with the urine ketone test. Inform the person doing the test that you are taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Kidney stones: Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones, is a disease affecting the urinary tract. Kidney stones are small, hard deposits made up of calcium, phosphate and other minerals/acid salts that stick together in concentrated urine. They are the common cause of blood in urine and can be painful when passing through the urinary tract. Symptoms include severe pain, usually in one side of the abdomen and nausea.
Renal tubular acidosis: It is a condition that involves the accumulation of acid in the body due to the failure of the kidneys to alkalize the urine appropriately. The kidneys fail to excrete acids into the urine, which causes the blood to remain too acidic. If not treated, it could lead to kidney stones, bone disease, kidney disease or failure.
FAQs
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is used to treat renal tubular acidosis and kidney stones.
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate raises the urinary pH, thereby makes the urine less acidic. This helps the kidneys to get rid of excess uric acid, and prevents gout and the formation of kidney stones.
Consult your doctor before taking corticosteroids with Disodium Hydrogen Citrate as it might increase the blood sodium levels.
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate contains sodium; therefore, talk to your doctor before taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate if you are on a sodium-restricted diet or if you have high blood pressure.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate for as long as suggested. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate.
Diarrhea might be a side-effect of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you have severe diarrhea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Consult a doctor before taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate if you have an active urinary tract infection, as Disodium Hydrogen Citrate increases the urinary pH, which might promote further bacterial growth.
Limited information is available regarding the usage of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate in children. Please consult a doctor.
Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Disodium Hydrogen Citrate for as long as your doctor has suggested it for you. If you face any difficulty or experience any side effects that persist while taking this, seek medical attention.
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate taken within few minutes to start working and its effect lasts for around four to six hours.
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate taken within few minutes to start working and its effect lasts for around four to six hours.
No, Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is not an antibiotic medication. Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is a urinary alkalizer indicated for the treatment of renal tubular acidosis, gout and kidney stones.
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate may interact with certain antibiotic medications. So, do not combine any antibiotic medication unless recommended by the doctor.
Yes, Disodium Hydrogen Citrate may also help to treat urinary tract infections. However, consult your doctor to proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The suggested dose of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate should be diluted with a glass of water and taken after meals. Depending on your medical condition, your doctor will decide how long you must take Disodium Hydrogen Citrate. Note: Adults may take it without dilution, followed by liquid, if preferred.
Take Disodium Hydrogen Citrate only as suggested by the physician. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose as it could lead to an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include electrolyte disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oedema, hypernoia (excessive mental activity), and convulsions. If you experience these symptoms or suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Common side effects of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate may include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not fully established. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medication.
Diluting Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is essential because the undiluted liquid can be highly concentrated and irritating to your mouth, throat, and stomach. Mixing it with water makes it safer and gentler to swallow. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more instructions on proper preparation.
You should avoid taking antacids that contain aluminium within two hours of taking Disodium Hydrogen Citrate, as this medicine can cause your body to absorb dangerous amounts of aluminium. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safe antacid alternatives.
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