Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup: Uses, Benefits & Dosage | Credihealth

Disodium hydrogen citrate (or sodium acid citrate) syrup known by brand names “Cital, Alkasol, and Citralka” is a commonly used medication to manage urinary tract disorders. Its alkalizing agent helps reduce urine acidity which aids in relieving many urinary discomfort. If you are struggling with any type of urinary tract disorder, understanding the benefits of disodium hydrogen citrate syrup is crucial to taking its effective advantages.

Let’s explore the blog and learn all the disodium hydrogen citrate syrup uses. We will also discuss its potential side effects, precautions while using it, and many more important facts! Read on!

5 Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup Uses You Should Know About

1. Helps with Urinary Infection Management

• Relieves the burning sensation while urinating and bacterial growth due to UTIs by neutralizing excessive levels of acidity in the urine.

• Supports quick recovery from urinary tract infection by making a less favorable environment for the growth of bacteria.

2. Manages & Prevents Kidney Stones

• A study reports that being a type of citrate salt, it prevents the formation of some kidney stones such as uric acid & cystine stones by maintaining the appropriate pH level of the urine.

• Helps dissolve the present small kidney stones in patients with renal tubular acidosis by reducing urine acidity.

3. Treats Gout

• Aids in the elimination of uric acid from the blood (which is the cause of gout).

• Also, alleviates the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints which according to research is another cause of gout. 

4. Reduces Painful Urination

• Prevents painful or difficult urination by reducing bacterial infections.

• Balances excessive acidic levels of the urine which relieves pain and discomfort in the lower part of the urinary tract. 

5. Prevents Urinary Acidosis

• Makes the urine less acidic and prevents the risk of urinary acidosis, a condition marked by the inability of the kidneys to get rid of excess uric acid from the blood.

• Prevents urinary acidosis symptoms such as pain, low urine output, and muscle cramps.

How Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup Works?

Here’s how disodium hydrogen Citrate syrup shows its effects:

• Alkalizes Urine: Reduces the acidic level of the urine by increasing its pH levels.

• Neutralizes Excess Uric Acid: Change strong acids into weaker ones which contributes to less irritating urine.

• Prevents the Formation of Kidney Stone: Lowers the risk of cystine & uric acid stone formation by balancing the urine pH levels.

• Soothes Burning Sensation: Relieves pain and discomfort during urination, especially in the case of urinary tract infections.

• Improves Uric Acid Excretion: Helps get rid of excess uric acid from the body which aids in managing the conditions like gout.

• Promotes Kidney Function: Assist the kidneys to efficiently remove excess acids and all toxins from the system. 

How to Take Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup?

Here’s learn how to safely take disodium hydrogen citrate syrup:

• Follow doctor’s prescription: Have the syrup in the recommended dose and for the prescribed duration to avoid overdosing and its side effects.

• Shake properly before use: Make sure to shake the syrup bottle to evenly distribute all the ingredients of the medication.

• Dilute in water: Mix it with a glass of water before consuming.

• Measure it accurately: Measure it using a spoon or measuring cup/ to ensure accurate dosage.

• Take after meals: Have it after eating food to prevent stomach discomfort.

• Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of water to get rid of excess uric acid and reduce dehydration issues.

Note: If you are prescribed this medicine for longer use, make sure to attend an appointment with your doctor to keep a watch over your health. 

Dosage Recommendation

The dosage guidelines of disodium hydrogen citrate or sodium acid citrate syrup can vary based on the patient’s age, health status, and condition being treated. The general dosage is:

Important Considerations:

• Accurately measure each dose and avoid excessive doses to avoid adverse effects of overdose.

• Follow a constant dosing schedule to ensure stable levels of medication in the body.

• For children, parents and caregivers need to strictly stick to the recommended dosage and dosing schedule and see a doctor if any concern arises. 

How Long Does Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup Take to Work?

Disodium Hydrogen Citrate syrup generally takes a few minutes after its last intake to show its effect due to its simple working mechanism. Its effect on the body will last for around 4 to 6 hours. Make sure to not skip the dose and use it till the recommended duration by your doctor to get the most benefit of this medication. 

Potential Side Effects of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup

Though disodium hydrogen citrate syrup is well-tolerated, it can bring some common and severe side effects that you need to report to your doctor early to prevent further complications:

Common Side Effects

These side effects are mild and temporary and subside once the body adjusts to the medicine:

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

If these side effects worsen or persist, see the healthcare providers.

Severe Side Effects

In rare cases, you may experience these severe side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions with symptoms like rashes, dizziness, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling.

• Signs of kidney issues such as changes in urine amount.

• Severe stomach pain

If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately for early medical intervention. 

Precautions & Warnings When Using Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup

Make sure to keep these precautions in mind for the safe use of this medication and to prevent any complications:

• Discuss your medical history: Inform the doctor if you are living with kidney disease, heart disease, low blood calcium levels, high blood pressure, or stomach disorders to get a customized treatment plan and minimize the chances of adverse effects.

• Monitor your sodium intake: As this medication contains sodium, caution is required for people with heart disease and high blood pressure issues.

• Be careful during the pregnancy & breastfeeding phase: As there are no scientific studies that prove the safety of this medication during these phases, so avoid them and speak with your gynecologist before use.

• Use it carefully in case of liver impairment: As the liver helps with the metabolization of the medicine, using it inappropriately can result in the worsening of the condition. So, discuss this issue with your doctor for correct dose adjustments or alternate options.

• Consider drug interactions: This syrup may interact with other medications and may increase the risk of severe side effects. Those medicines include diuretics, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, decongestants, corticosteroids, and antacids. So, discuss these drugs with your doctor first.

• Avoid driving: There is no data available that this syrup can impact your driving ability. So, drive only if you are conscious.

• Don’t drink alcohol: As the interaction of alcohol with disodium hydrogen citrate syrup is unknown, it is recommended to discuss it with the providers before its use.

When not to use?

Don’t use it if you have:

• Allergy: are allergic to any ingredients of the syrup.

• Hyperkalaemia: have high levels of potassium in your blood as it can increase the chances of severe side effects.

• Severe kidney disease: as it can worsen the symptoms of this condition. 

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

Consider these dietary and lifestyle changes to increase the effectiveness of disodium hydrogen citrate syrup:

• Consume a lot of fluid: Drink plenty of water or fluids to get rid of excess minerals which is crucial for promoting kidney health. 

• Restrict salt intake: High salt intake can increase the risk of kidney stones.

• Avoiding oxalate-rich food: Don’t consume oxalate-rich foods like avocado, spinach, baked potatoes, nuts, certain cereals, and dates to prevent the risk of oxalate stone formation.

What if You Overdose on Disodium Hydrogen Citrate Syrup?

If you accidentally take an excessive quantity of disodium hydrogen citrate syrup, it can lead to the following issues due to an overdose of sodium salts:

• Hyperosmolarity (increased concentration of salt in the blood)

• Sodium overload

• Vomiting and nausea

• Diarrhea

• Hypernoia (excessive mental activity)

• Edema (fluid retention)

• Convulsions (uncontrolled shaking)

Overdosing can also slow down recovery. So, if you notice these symptoms, report them to a doctor. 

Note: If you skip the dose, take it immediately as you remember. But if the time to take the next dose is close, avoid double dosing.

Final Thoughts

From treating urinary tract infections to managing gout issues, disodium hydrogen citrate syrup uses are incredible. However, it should be consumed under a doctor’s guidance to avoid side effects and further health complications, especially if you have kidney diseases, liver issues, stomach disorders, heart disease, or high blood pressure problems. Make sure to follow the dose as prescribed by a doctor and report the side effects immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions