Sodium Citrate

Category

Alkalizing Agents; Buffering Agents; Emulsifying Agents; Sequestering Agents

Molecular Formula

C6H5Na3O7·2H2O

Molecular Weight

294.1

Grade

Pharmceutical Excipients

Description

Sodium citrate dihydrate consists of odorless, colorless, monoclinic crystals, or a white crystalline powder with a cooling, saline taste. It is slightly deliquescent in moist air, and in warm dry air it is efflorescent. Although most pharmacopeias specify that sodium citrate is the dihydrate, the USP states that sodium citrate may be either the dihydrate or anhydrous material.

UNII

1Q73Q2JULR

Chemical Name

Trisodium 2-hydroxypropane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylate dihydrate

CAS Number

6132-04-03

Synonyms

Citric acid trisodium salt; E331; natrii citras; sodium citrate tertiary; trisodium citrate

Administration route

Inhalations; injections; ophthalmic; oral; nasal, otic, rectal, topical, transdermal, and vaginal

Dosage Form

Inhalations; injections; ophthalmic products; oral solutions, suspensions, syrups and tablets; nasal, otic, rectal, topical, transdermal, and vaginal preparations

Stability and Storage Conditions

Sodium citrate dihydrate is a stable material. Aqueous solutions may be sterilized by autoclaving. On storage, aqueous solutions may cause the separation of small, solid particles from glass containers. The bulk material should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Source and Preparation

Sodium citrate is prepared by adding sodium carbonate to a solution of citric acid until effervescence ceases. The resulting solution is filtered and evaporated to dryness.

Applications

Sodium citrate, as either the dihydrate or anhydrous material, is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations.It is used in food products, primarily to adjust the pH of solutions. It is also used as a sequestering agent. The anhydrous material is used in effervescent tablet formulations.Sodium citrate is additionally used as a blood anticoagulant either alone or in combination with other citrates such as disodium hydrogen citrate. Therapeutically, sodium citrate is used to relieve the painful irritation caused by cystitis, and also to treat dehydration and acidosis due to diarrhea.

Safety

After ingestion, sodium citrate is absorbed and metabolized to bicarbonate. Although it is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant excipient, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. Therapeutically, in adults, up to 15 g daily of sodium citrate dihydrate may be administered orally, in divided doses, as an aqueous solution to relieve the painful irritation caused by cystitis. Citrates and citric acid enhance intestinal aluminum absorption in renal patients, which may lead to increased, harmful serum aluminum levels. It has therefore been suggested that patients with renal failure taking aluminum compounds to control phosphate absorption should not be prescribed citrate- or citric acid-containing products.

Incompatibilities

Aqueous solutions are slightly alkaline and will react with acidic substances. Alkaloidal salts may be precipitated from their aqueous or hydro-alcohol solutions. Calcium and strontium salts will cause precipitation of the corresponding citrates. Other incompatibilities include bases, reducing agents, and oxidizing agents.