potassium citrate/sodium citrate/citric acid
Tricitrates is a combination medication that’s used to prevent kidney stones and treat gout. It’s also used to treat a condition where your blood has too much acid. It’s generally well-tolerated and available as a raspberry-flavored liquid.
What is Tricitrates?
What is Tricitrates used for?
- Renal tubular acidosis (a condition where there is too much acid in your blood from kidney problems)
- Long-term maintenance of less acidic urine
- Add-on treatment for gout
How Tricitrates works
Tricitrates is an alkalinizing agent and is a combination of three different medications: potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and citric acid. All three components help to lower acid levels in your blood and urine to treat conditions that develop due to higher acid levels in your body, such as kidney stones, gout, and metabolic acidosis caused by a kidney problem.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Cytra-3, Tricitrates |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Alkalinizing agent |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Tricitrates
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
Tricitrates serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in your blood): low energy, weakness, confusion, changes in heartbeat, tingling in your arms or legs
- Alkalosis (low levels of acid in your blood): muscle twitching, tingling in fingers or toes, feeling irritable
The following Tricitrates side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
- High sodium level—confusion, increased thirst, muscle weakness, unusual weakness or fatigue, twitching muscles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Tricitrates
Pros
- Can be used long-term to lower the acid levels in your urine or blood
- Generally well-tolerated without side effects, especially when used by people without kidney problems
- Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
- Comes in raspberry flavor, so it’s easy for children to take
Cons
- Can’t be used if you have severe kidney problems or heart damage
- Has to be mixed with water before drinking it
- Needs to be taken multiple times a day
- Needs to be taken after meals to avoid diarrhea
Pharmacist tips for Tricitrates
- Before mixing Tricitrates with water, shake the bottle well to make sure you are taking the correct amount of medication.
- Mix Tricitrates with water and take it after meals so you don’t get diarrhea.
- Keep the bottle of Tricitrates tightly closed and store it at room temperature. You can also chill it in the refrigerator to improve the taste if needed.
- Don't take Tricitrates with antacids that contain aluminum, such as Gaviscon, Gelusil, or Mylanta. Taking these medications together with Tricitrates can make your body absorb too much aluminum.
- Tricitrates contains potassium and can cause high levels of potassium in your blood, which can be dangerous. Talk to your provider if you are taking other medications that can also raise potassium levels, such as amiloride (Midamor), lisinopril (Zestril), and digoxin (Lanoxin).
Risks and warnings for Tricitrates
Tricitrates can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Changes in electrolytes
- *Risk factors: Kidney problems | Addison’s disease | Taking other medications that raise potassium or sodium levels | Heart conditions | High blood pressure | Swelling (edema) | Pre-eclampsia *
Tricitrates contains sodium (salt) and might change your electrolyte levels, which can cause heart and kidney problems.
Tricitrates also contains potassium and can cause high levels of potassium in your blood, which can lead to life-threatening heart conditions. The risk is higher if you have kidney problems, Addison’s disease (a condition in which your body doesn’t make enough of certain hormones), or are taking medications that raise your potassium levels, such as amiloride (Midamor), lisinopril (Zestril), and digoxin (Lanoxin). Tell your provider if you notice any changes in your heartbeat, tingling in your arms or legs, or trouble breathing. You might need to take regular blood tests to make sure your electrolyte levels are normal.
Tricitrates dosage
Bottle of oral solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 473ml of 550mg/500mg/334mg/5ml | 1 bottle | $19.13 | $19.13 |
Typical dosage for Tricitrates
Tricitrates should be diluted with water before drinking it. You can add more water if needed. Each dose is typically taken after meals and at bedtime.
- Adults: The typical dose is 3 to 6 teaspoonfuls (15 mL to 30 mL) mixed with water and taken by mouth 4 times a day.
- Children: The typical dose is 1 to 3 teaspoonfuls (5 mL to 15 mL) mixed with water and taken by mouth 4 times a day.
How much does Tricitrates cost?
Tricitrates contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Tricitrates will not be safe for you to take.
- Severe kidney problems with trouble urinating or with high levels of certain chemicals in your body
- Uncontrolled Addison’s disease
- Severe heart damage
