Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
Description
Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is a medicine used to treat kidney stones, gout, urin
ary tract infections, and other conditions caused by high uric acid levels. It works by making your urine less acidic, which helps dissolve uric acid and other substances that can form stones or crystals in the urinary tract. This makes it easier for your body to flush these substances out through urine, preventing new stones from forming and easing symptoms such as burning or pain during urination. To get the best results, it should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually after meals, and it is important to drink plenty of water while on this medicine. Patients with kidney, heart, or lung conditions, or those on a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, should consult their doctor before using it.
Uses
- Disodium Hydrogen Citrate is used to treat gout (increased uric acid levels) and kidney stones.
- It is also used to treat urinary tract infections and metabolic disorders associated with kidney disease.
Contraindications
When should one not use Disodium Hydrogen Citrate
- If you are allergic to Disodium Hydrogen Citrate.
- If you have kidney diseases.
- If you have high sodium or potassium levels.
- If you have high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or heart failure.
- If you have low calcium levels.
- If you have lung diseases.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder).
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Stomach pain
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
- You are diabetic.
- You have a kidney disease.
- You are suffering from chronic diarrhoea (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease).
- Do not alter the dose of Disodium Hydrogen Citrate by yourself.
- Take this medicine with food for better absorption and to help prevent stomach-related side effects.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- May interact with other medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal preparations, potentially altering their effects.
- Antacids containing aluminium and magnesium should be taken at least two hours after this medicine.
- May interact with Aspirin.
- Other medicines that can interact include Lithium, Quinidine, and Salicylates.
Dosage
Overdose
- If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
Missed a Dose
Content Details
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Disodium Hydrogen Citrate used for?
Q: How does Disodium Hydrogen Citrate work?
- It makes your urine more alkaline, helping dissolve uric acid and other crystals so they can be flushed out of the body, preventing new stone formation and easing urinary discomfort.
Q: Can I stop Disodium Hydrogen Citrate suddenly?
- No, do not stop the medicine without your doctor’s advice, as this may worsen your condition or lead to recurrence of kidney stones.
References
- Cytra-K (potassium citrate/citric acid) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more [Internet]. Reference.medscape.com. 2025 [cited 8 Dec 2025].
- CDSCO [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2025 [cited 8 Dec 2025].
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 8950, Disodium Hydrogen Citrate. [cited 8 Dec 2025].
- Hong J, Bhaskar S, Golab JT, Kaduk JA. Structures of disodium hydrogen citrate monohydrate, Na₂HC₆H₅O₇(H₂O), and diammonium sodium citrate, (NH₄)₂NaC₆H₅O₇, from powder diffraction data. Acta Crystallogr Sect E Crystallogr Commun [Internet]. 2020 [cited 8 Dec 2025].