Citric acid/sodium citrate Disease Interactions

Alkalinizing agents containing sodium can induce sodium and water retention and result in hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperosmolality, edema and aggravation of congestive heart failure. Therapy with sodium- containing alkalinizing agents should not be used in patients with hypernatremia or fluid retention. Clinical monitoring of acid/base balance and electrolytes prior to, during, a following completion of therapy with alkalinizing agents is recommended.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may experience colonic perforation with use of stimulant laxatives.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation. Some laxatives require reduction in the colon to their active form to be effective which may be a problem in patients with intestinal obstruction.

Alkalinizing agents act as proton acceptors and/or dissociate to provide bicarbonate ions. Elimination of bicarbonate is decreased in patients with renal impairment and can result in metabolic alkalosis. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include hyperirritability or tetany, arrhythmia, and/or seizures (altered pH = altered calcium), or lactic acidosis due to impaired oxygen release. Therapy with alkalinizing agents should be administered with extreme caution in patients with compromised renal function. Clinical monitoring of renal function, acid/base balance and electrolytes is recommended.