Overview
DESCRIPTION Tricitrates Oral Solution, USP is a stable orange colored and cherry flavored oral systemic alkalizer containing potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and citric acid in a sugar-free, non-alcoholic base. Tricitrates Oral Solution, USP contains in each teaspoonful (5 mL): Potassium Citrate Monohydrate, USP 550 mg Sodium Citrate Dihydrate, USP 500 mg Citric Acid Monohydrate, USP 334 mg...
Mechanism of Action
DESCRIPTION Tricitrates Oral Solution, USP is a stable orange colored and cherry flavored oral systemic alkalizer containing potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and citric acid in a sugar-free, non-alcoholic base. Tricitrates Oral Solution, USP contains in each teaspoonful (5 mL): Potassium Citrate Monohydrate, USP 550 mg Sodium Citrate Dihydrate, USP 500 mg Citric Acid Monohydrate, USP 334 mg Each mL contains 1 mEq potassium ion and 1 mEq sodium ion and is equivalent to 2 mEq bicarbonate (HCO 3 ). Inactive Ingredients: saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, FD&C yellow # 6, wild cherry flavor, and purified water. ACTIONS Potassium citrate and sodium citrate are absorbed and metabolized to potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate, thus acting as systemic alkalizers.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND ADVANTAGES Tricitrates oral solution is an effective alkalinizing agent useful in those conditions where long-term maintenance of an alkaline urine is desirable, such as in patients with uric acid and cystine calculi of the urinary tract. In addition, it is a valuable adjuvant when administered with uricosuric agents in gout therapy, since urates tend to crystallize out of an acid urine. It is also effective in correcting the acidosis of certain renal tubular disorders.
Common Doses
- 30 mL
- 15 mL
- 20 mL
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Tricitratesoral solution should be taken diluted in water, followed by additional water, if desired. Palatability is enhanced if chilled before taking. Usual Adult Dose 3 to 6 teaspoonfuls (15 to 30 mL), diluted in water, four times a day, after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by a physician. Usual Pediatric Dose 1 to 3 teaspoonfuls (5 to 15 mL), diluted in water, four times a day, after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by a physician.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Severe renal impairment with oliguria or azotemia, untreated Addison's disease, or severe myocardial damage. In certain situations, when patients are on a sodium-restricted diet, the use of potassium citrate may be preferable; or, when patients are on a potassium-restricted diet, the use of sodium citrate may be preferable.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Tricitrates oral solution is generally well tolerated without any unpleasant side effects when given in recommended doses to patients with normal renal function and urinary output. However, as with any alkalinizing agent, caution must be used in certain patients with abnormal renal mechanisms to avoid development of hyperkalemia or alkalosis, especially in the presence of hypocalcemia. Potassium intoxication causes listlessness, weakness, mental confusion, and tingling of extremities.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.