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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking citric acid and sodium citrate (Bicitra, Cytra-2, Liqui-Dual Citra, Oracit)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• kidney failure;
• severe heart damage (such as from a prior heart attack);
• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or
• if you are severely dehydrated or have heat cramps.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take citric acid and sodium citrate, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, or history of heart attack;
• other heart disease or high blood pressure;
• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
• a urinary tract infection;
• toxemia of pregnancy;
• urination problems (or if you are unable to urinate);
• swelling of your hands or feet, or in your lungs (pulmonary edema); or
• chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking citric acid and sodium citrate, Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether citric acid and sodium citrate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take citric acid and sodium citrate (Bicitra, Cytra-2, Liqui-Dual Citra, Oracit)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Citric acid and sodium citrate should be taken after meals to help prevent stomach or intestinal side effects. You may also need to take the medicine at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Shake the oral solution (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

The liquid medicine should be mixed with at lease 4 ounces of water or juice. Drink this mixture slowly and then add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

You may chill the mixed medicine to make it taste better, but do not allow it to freeze.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking citric acid and sodium citrate.

Your treatment may include a special diet. It is very important to follow the 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.

To be sure citric acid and sodium citrate is helping your condition, your blood and urine may need to be tested often. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store citric acid and sodium citrate at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or freezing. Keep the medication in a closed container.

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