Sodium Citrate Dihydrate

Synonyms: Citric acid trisodium salt; E331; natrii citras; sodium citrate tertiary; trisodium citrate.

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 32 states that sodium citrate may be either the dihydrate or anhydrous material.

Chemical Name: Trisodium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate dihydrate

Alkalizing agent; buffering agent; emulsifying agent; sequestering agent.

• 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

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

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.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Sodium citrate dihydrate dust may be irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. Eye protection and gloves are recommended. Sodium citrate should be handled in a wellventilated environment or a dust mask should be worn.

Anhydrous sodium citrate; citric acid monohydrate.