sodium citrate: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm the intended use matches the licensed obstetric anaesthetic indication.
• Account for clinically relevant sodium content.
• Review concurrent oral medicines and conditions affected by sodium or alkalinisation.
• The product is licensed for adults and is prescription-only.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to sodium citrate or an excipient.
• Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, hypocalcaemia or hypochlorhydria.

Monitoring

• Routine laboratory monitoring is not specified for licensed single use.
• After excessive exposure, monitor plasma electrolytes and acid–base status.
• Consider electrolyte and acid–base assessment where comorbidity increases susceptibility to sodium loading or alkalosis.

Clinical pharmacology

A non-particulate antacid whose effect is attributable to alkalinity and gastric acid neutralisation. It is systemically absorbed and renally eliminated, with potential blood and urinary alkalinisation at sufficient exposure.

Formulation and product differences

• The selected product is a clear, colourless oral solution containing purified water and glycerol.
• It is supplied in a tightly closed, single-use amber plastic container.
• Other sodium citrate-containing products may have different ingredients, routes and indications and should not be treated as interchangeable.