Indications
Citric Acid Anhydrous is the dry, water-free form of citric acid, the natural acid found in lemons and other citrus fruits. In medicines it is mostly used as an ingredient rather than a treatment on its own. It is found in effervescent (fizzy) tablets and powders, oral solutions and syrups, some bowel-cleansing preparations taken before colon examinations, urinary alkalinising mixtures and some gels. It adjusts acidity, adds a sour taste, helps keep the product stable and, in fizzy products, reacts with bicarbonate to release bubbles.
How It Works
Citric acid is a weak acid. In a product it keeps the pH (acid level) in the right range so the active medicine stays stable. In effervescent products it reacts with sodium bicarbonate in water to produce carbon dioxide gas, which makes the tablet dissolve quickly. In some bowel preparations it combines with magnesium oxide to form magnesium citrate, which draws water into the bowel and causes a laxative effect. In the body, citrate is broken down to bicarbonate, which can make the urine less acidic.
Dosage and Administration
There is no separate dose for Citric Acid Anhydrous. Take or use the product that contains it exactly as directed on the label or by your doctor. Effervescent tablets and powders must be fully dissolved in water before drinking. Bowel preparations must be taken on the schedule given by the hospital or doctor, with plenty of clear fluids.
Interactions
As an ingredient it rarely causes interactions. Citrate can increase the absorption of Aluminium from aluminium-containing antacids, so people with kidney disease should not take citrate products and aluminium antacids together. Bowel preparations can reduce absorption of other medicines taken around the same time; ask your doctor about timing.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
- Bowel preparations containing it must not be used in bowel blockage, perforation or severe bowel inflammation.
- Citrate-containing alkalinising products may not be suitable in severe kidney failure or high potassium levels, depending on the other ingredients.
Side Effects
In normal amounts it rarely causes problems. Possible effects include stomach upset, mild loose stools and, with frequent use of acidic drinks or fizzy tablets, wearing of tooth enamel. Bowel preparations cause frequent watery stools by design and may cause bloating, cramps and nausea.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting that does not stop, signs of dehydration such as dizziness or very little urine, or an allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Citric acid is a normal part of the diet and is safe as an ingredient during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety of the whole product depends on its active medicine, so check with your doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
- Effervescent products often contain sodium; people on a low-salt diet or with high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease should check with their doctor.
- Rinse your mouth with water after acidic liquids to protect teeth.
- Drink enough fluid when using bowel preparations.
Overdose
Large amounts may cause stomach irritation, vomiting or diarrhoea. With bowel preparations, overdose can cause dehydration and salt imbalance. Contact a doctor if too much has been taken.
Therapeutic Class
Acidifying agent and pharmaceutical excipient; component of effervescent, laxative and alkalinising preparations.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep effervescent products tightly closed, as moisture makes them spoil.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.