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Sodium Citrate/Citric Acid Coupon - Sodium Citrate/Citric Acid 500mg/334mg/5ml oral solution

Sodium Citrate/Citric Acid

Generic Cytra-2
Used for Gout, Kidney Stones
Used for Gout, Kidney Stones

Bicitra keeps the acid levels in your body in a normal range. It's useful for people who have a buildup of acid in their blood or urine and need long-term treatment. Although it works well to lower your acid levels, you might need to have your blood work done regularly to monitor your electrolyte levels.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ashley Wong, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 7, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bicitra?

What is Bicitra used for?

  • Prevent gout or kidney stones by lowering the acid levels in your urine

  • Buildup of acid in your body (metabolic acidosis)

  • Excess stomach acid

How Bicitra works

Bicitra makes your body more alkaline, or less acidic. Sodium citrate is broken down in your body to sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes acid in your blood and urine.

Are you looking for information on Cytra-K (potassium citrate / citric acid) instead?
When does Bicitra start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBicitra, Cytra-2, Oracit
Drug ClassAlkalinizing agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$39.04(save 72.76%)
GoodRx discount
$10.64
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What are the side effects of Bicitra?

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
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle cramps, spasms, or tremors (tetany)

Other Side Effects

  • Buildup of bases in your body (metabolic alkalosis)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pain or cramping (severe)

black, tarry stools

vomiting (severe), sometimes with blood

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Confusion

convulsions (seizures)

dizziness

high blood pressure

irregular or fast heartbeat

irritability

mood or mental changes

muscle pain or twitching

nervousness or restlessness

numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips

shortness of breath, difficult breathing, or slow breathing

swelling of feet or lower legs

unexplained anxiety

unpleasant taste

unusual tiredness or weakness

weakness or heaviness of legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach soreness or pain (mild)

diarrhea or loose bowel movements

nausea or vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bicitra

thumbs-up

Pros

Good for people who have a chronic buildup of acids in their body (metabolic acidosis), which is a condition in some people with kidney problems

Can be used long-term to balance out acid in your urine

Works well to lower your stomach acid

Generally doesn't cause too many side effects for people without kidney problems

Comes in a grape flavor

thumbs-down

Cons

Has to be taken 4 times per day

Occasional blood work is needed for people with kidney disease or for people who don't make enough urine

Cannot be used for people with severe kidney problems, severe heart damage (such as from a prior heart attack), Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder), high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), if you are severely dehydrated, have heat cramps, or if you have to limit your sodium intake

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bicitra

pharmacist

  • To prevent diarrhea and stomach upset, mix Bicitra with the appropriate amount of water, shake it well, and take it after a meal. Read the FAQ section above for how much water you should use.

    • Store Bicitra at room temperature. If you want it to taste better, you can chill it first. But, don’t let it freeze.

      • Don't take Bicitra with antacids that contain aluminum, such as Gaviscon, Gelusil, or Mylanta. Taking these medications together with Bicitra can make your body absorb too much aluminum.

        • If Bicitra doesn't come in a pre-measured cup, be sure to use the measuring device that your pharmacy provides so you can measure out the correct dose.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Bicitra

          Can I use Bicitra if I have kidney problems?
          Use Bicitra carefully if you have kidney problems because it might cause your acid levels to go too low (systemic alkalosis). If your acid levels are too low, you can feel confused, lightheaded, numbness or tingling in your face, hands, or feet, or you can have muscle spasms and twitching. Let your provider know if you experience any of these symptoms. Don't use Bicitra if you have severe kidney disease, unless directed by your provider.
          Will Bicitra cause diarrhea?
          Diarrhea is a common side effect of Bicitra. Taking Bicitra after meals can lower your risk of diarrhea. Diluting the medication with water can help prevent stomach upset.
          Can Bicitra cause my sodium levels to go too high?
          Bicitra contains about 1 mEq of sodium, so it can raise your sodium levels. Take Bicitra exactly as prescribed. Taking too much of this medication can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, racing thoughts or intense imagination, and sudden, irregular movements of your body. If you are sensitive to sodium or if you have a condition where you need to limit your sodium intake, let your healthcare provider know. Your provider likely will do blood work to monitor your sodium levels.
          How much water should I mix Bicitra with?
          Bicitra is concentrated and needs to be diluted with water before you take it. If you're taking Bicitra to control acid levels in your urine, the typical dose is 2 to 6 teaspoonfuls, diluted in 1 oz to 3 oz of water, after each meal and at bedtime. If you're taking Bicitra to neutralize stomach acid, the typical dose is 1 to 3 teaspoonfuls, diluted in 15 mL of water, after each meal and at bedtime.
          Why isn't Bicitra FDA approved?
          Medications weren't required to be tested for safety until 1938 when the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was passed. In 1962, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the law so medications had to be tested for both safety and effectiveness. Many of the medications that were used before 1938 still haven't had the thorough evaluation required by the FDA today but they were “grandfathered” in under the law. This means they weren't required to go through the same approval process as new drugs and they're considered "unapproved" medications. Bicitra has been used since before 1938, which is why it's unapproved.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Bicitra?

          Bicitra 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.

          risk-warning

          Changes in electrolytes

          • Risk factors: Kidney disease | Heart disease | High blood pressure | Swelling (edema) | Pre-eclampsia

            Bicitra contains sodium (salt) and might change your electrolyte levels, which can cause heart and kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider will do occasional blood tests to make sure your electrolytes are in balance.

            dosage

            Bicitra dosage forms

            The average cost for 473 ml of 500mg/334mg/5ml of Bicitra is $10.64 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.76% off the average retail price of $39.04.
            ml of oral solution
            Ml of oral solution
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            500mg/334mg/5ml473 ml$10.64$0.02

            Typical dosing for Bicitra

            The typical dose is 10 mL to 30 mL, diluted with water, by mouth after each meal and at bedtime. Your provider might raise your dose slowly depending on how you respond to the medication.

            interactions

            Interactions between Bicitra and other drugs

            Bicitra may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bicitra. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

            drug-cost

            How much does Bicitra cost?

            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
            Cytra-2 (brand)
            GoodRx lowest price

            $10.64

            (save 87.44%)
            Bicitra (generic)
            GoodRx lowest price

            $10.64

            (save 72.76%)
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            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Bicitra?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bicitra. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Bicitra
            Used for:

            • Prevent gout or kidney stones by lowering the acid levels in your urine

            • Buildup of acid in your body (metabolic acidosis)

            • Excess stomach acid

            $10.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            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

            $19.13 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Cytra-K
            Used for:

            • High acid levels in the blood caused by a kidney condition (renal tubular acidosis)

            • Long-term maintenance of less acidic urine

            • Add-on treatment for gout

            $17.82 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            images

            Bicitra images

            colorless - Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid 500mg-334mg / 5mL Solution
            This medicine is Colorless Oral Solution.colorless - Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid 500mg-334mg / 5mL Solution
            This medicine is Colorless Oral Solution.

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