Citric acid and sodium citrate

Citric acid and sodium citrate are both alkalinizing agents that make the urine less acidic.

The combination of citric acid and sodium citrate is used to prevent gout or kidney stones, or metabolic acidosis in people with kidney problems.

Citric acid and sodium citrate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 2 hours late in taking your medicine, wait until your next regularly scheduled time to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice, including household baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Antacids that contain aluminum or sodium can interact with citric acid and sodium citrate, causing a serious electrolyte imbalance or aluminum toxicity.

Avoid eating foods that are high in salt, or using extra table salt on your meals.

It is very important to follow any diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet;

• muscle twitching or pain, leg pain or cramps;

• unusual weakness, rapid and shallow breathing, fast or slow heart rate, dizziness, confusion, or mood changes;

• feeling restless, nervous, or irritable;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• severe or ongoing diarrhea; or

• seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, or vomiting, stomach pain;

• mild or occasional diarrhea; or

• mild stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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

Some side effects of citric acid / sodium citrate may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.