sodium citrate at a glance
Medicine class
Alkalising, non-particulate antacid
Licensed role
Before general anaesthesia for caesarean birth
Form
Clear, colourless oral solution in a single-use container
Administration
Given under the direction of the hospital anaesthetic team
What is sodium citrate used for?
The selected product is licensed for adults as a non-particulate oral antacid before general anaesthesia for caesarean birth.
It raises gastric pH so stomach contents are less acidic if aspiration occurs during anaesthesia.
How does sodium citrate work?
Its alkalinity neutralises gastric acid and raises stomach pH. Some sodium citrate is absorbed and eliminated by the kidneys; sufficient exposure can also alkalinise blood and urine.
How to take sodium citrate
This oral solution is normally supplied and supervised by a doctor or nurse in hospital.
Drink it when instructed by the anaesthetic team.
Do not take additional sodium citrate unless the team directs you to do so.
The container is for single use; discard any remainder.
sodium citrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common adverse effects are identified for the selected product when used as directed.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including throat or tongue swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse.
- Sodium overload or metabolic alkalosis after excessive exposure.
sodium citrate in pregnancy
This product is specifically licensed for use during caesarean birth when general anaesthesia is planned. It is selected and administered by the obstetric anaesthetic team.
sodium citrate while breastfeeding
The product information permits use for its licensed obstetric indication but provides little product-specific breastfeeding detail. Specialist guidance considers antacids compatible with breastfeeding; seek specialist advice where the infant is premature or unwell.
sodium citrate interactions
Tell the anaesthetic team about all medicines and supplements because sodium citrate can alter drug absorption or elimination.
Oral medicines generally
Its antacid action may change the absorption of medicines taken by mouth.
Acidic medicines
Urinary alkalinisation may increase renal clearance and reduce exposure.
Basic medicines
Urinary alkalinisation may prolong elimination and increase toxicity risk.
Aluminium-containing compounds
Citrate can increase intestinal aluminium absorption; avoid this combination in renal failure because harmful aluminium accumulation may occur.
Common questions about sodium citrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is sodium citrate given before a caesarean under general anaesthesia?
It makes stomach contents less acidic, reducing the potential severity of injury if gastric contents are aspirated.
Does sodium citrate prevent aspiration during anaesthesia?
No. It changes gastric acidity but does not guarantee that regurgitation or aspiration will not occur.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.