Sodium Citrate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 29, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It has a sour taste similar to citric acid, and is salty as well. It is often used as a food preservative, and as a flavoring in the food industry. In the pharmaceutical industry it is used to control pH. It may be used as an alkalizing agent, buffering agent, emulsifier, or sequestering agent.[1]
According to the FDA Select Committee on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food substances, citrate salts, including sodium citrate, are generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities.[2]
Some examples of medications containing Sodium Citrate
- Amoxicillin 250 mg
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 8 mg (base)
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 2 mg (base)
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and Naloxone Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 2 mg (base) / 0.5 mg (base)
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and Naloxone Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 8 mg (base) / 2 mg (base)
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and Naloxone Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 8 mg (base) / 2 mg (base)
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and Naloxone Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 8 mg (base) / 2 mg (base)
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride and Naloxone Hydrochloride (Sublingual) 2 mg (base) / 0.5 mg (base)
- Carvedilol 6.25 mg
- Carvedilol 12.5 mg
- Carvedilol 25 mg
- Carvedilol 3.125 mg
- Ibuprofen 600 mg
- Ibuprofen 800 mg
- Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Extended Release 10 mg / 240 mg
- Meloxicam 7.5 mg
- Meloxicam 15 mg
- Meloxicam 15 mg
- Meloxicam 7.5 mg
- Suboxone buprenorphine hydrochloride 8 mg (base) / naloxone hydrochloride 2 mg (base)
References
- Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
- FDA’s SCOGS database; triethyl citrate; SCOGS-Report Number: 84; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=356 Accessed March 26, 2012.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.