Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate

Generic name: Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate [ SIT-rik-AS-id, SOW-dee-um-SIT-rate, & poe-TASS-ee-um-SIT-rate ]
Brand name: Virtrate-3
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 10, 2024.

Uses of Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate:

• It is used to lower acid levels in the urine.
• It is used to prevent gout attacks.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate?

• If you have an allergy to citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, or any other part of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate.
• If you are allergic to citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate; any part of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Heart disease, kidney disease, or untreated Addison's disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may need to check the acid content (pH) of your urine using a dipstick test.
• If you are on a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, talk with your doctor.
• If you are taking a salt substitute that has potassium in it, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, talk with your doctor.
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate) best taken?

Use citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take after meals and at bedtime.
• Mix with water as you have been told before drinking.
• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate.
• Chill to make it taste better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Swelling of belly.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.

Related/similar drugs

sodium bicarbonate, citric acid/sodium citrate, tromethamine, Oracit, Cytra-2, Cytra-K

What are some other side effects of Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, and Potassium Citrate?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer