Sodium citrate

Toxicity

Overdose toxicity is mainly due to alkalosis as well as tetany or depressed heart function due to lack of free calcium .

Indications

Used as an anticoagulant during plasmophoresis as well as a neutralizing agent in the treatment of upset stomach and acidic urine .

Background

Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is white, crystalline powder or white, granular crystals, slightly deliquescent in moist air, freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in alcohol. Like citric acid, it has a sour taste. From the medical point of view, it is used as alkalinizing agent. It works by neutralizing excess acid in the blood and urine. It has been indicated for the treatment of metabolic acidosis.

Definition

ChEBI: Sodium citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid. It has a role as a flavouring agent and an anticoagulant. It contains a citrate(3-).

Pharmacokinetics

Citrate prevents activation of the clotting cascade by chelating calcium ions. Citrate neutralizes acid in the stomach and urine, raising the pH .

Metabolism

Citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate in the liver and plays a role as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle .

Applications

Sodium citrate and citric acid combine in an oral solution to prevent kidney stones and metabolic acidosis. This solution works by making your blood and pee less acidic.