Citric Acid Monohydrate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2025.

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid commonly used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The parent base of citric acid, citrate, is a component of the Krebs cycle, and occurs naturally during metabolism in all living organisms. It is found naturally in citrus fruit such as lemons and limes and is used as a natural preservative. Monohydrate citric acid has one water molecule as part of it's chemical formula, and exists as a white powder.^[1][2]

Citrate or citric acid is often used to adjust pH, to add sour flavor to foods and beverages, and to form the salt derivative of minerals and metals for pharmaceuticals, as in the case of potassium citrate, a dietary supplement. According to the FDA Select Committee on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food substances, citrate salts, including citric acid, are generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities.^[2]

Some examples of medications containing Citric Acid Monohydrate

• Bufferin 325 mg
• Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (XL) 300 mg
• Dramamine For Kids (Chewable) dimenhydrinate 25 mg
• Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene 25 mg / 37.5 mg
• Opana ER 40 mg
• Ropinirole Hydrochloride 1 mg
• Ropinirole Hydrochloride 2 mg
• Ropinirole Hydrochloride 0.25 mg
• Ropinirole Hydrochloride 0.5 mg
• Selegiline Hydrochloride 5 mg
• Simvastatin 20 mg
• Simvastatin 20 mg
• Simvastatin 40 mg
• Simvastatin 40 mg
• Simvastatin 10 mg
• Simvastatin 10 mg
• Simvastatin 40 mg
• Simvastatin 20 mg
• Suboxone buprenorphine hydrochloride 8 mg (base) / naloxone hydrochloride 2 mg (base)
• Zelapar 1.25 mg

Further information

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

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