provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

potassium citrate/sodium citrate/citric acid

Generic Tricitrates
Used for Gout, Kidney Stones
Used for Gout, Kidney Stones

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 9, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

Are you looking for information on Cytra-K (potassium citrate / citric acid), Bicitra (sodium citrate / citric acid), or Urocit-K (potassium citrate) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCytra-3, Tricitrates
Drug ClassAlkalinizing agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$65.97(save 72.55%)
GoodRx discount
$18.11
See prices
basics-icon

What are the 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

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

Source: DailyMed

The following 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):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tricitrates

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Tricitrates

pharmacist

  • 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.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Tricitrates

          Should Tricitrates be taken with food?
          Tricitrates should be taken after meals and at bedtime. It’s best to take each dose after your meals to avoid diarrhea.
          Why do I need to mix Tricitrates with water?
          Tricitrates is highly concentrated, meaning that it has a high amount of potassium. This can cause serious stomach problems when it is taken by mouth without first diluting it with water. You can also add additional water after diluting it.
          Is it safe for children to take Tricitrates?
          The amount of Tricitrates that children should take is different when compared with adults. Tricitrates is safe to use in children as long as you follow the package directions or the amount recommended by your child’s healthcare provider.
          Can I take Tricitrates if I am on a low-sodium or low-potassium diet?
          Since Tricitrates contains both potassium and sodium, it might not be the best option for you. If you are on a low-sodium diet, potassium citrate might be a better option for you (e.g., Urocit-K, Cytra-K). If you are on a low-potassium diet, sodium citrate might be better to use (e.g., Bicitra). Discuss with your provider about the medication that’s best for you.
          What’s the difference between Tricitrates and Cytra-K?
          Tricitrates and Cytra-K both work to make your blood and urine less acidic and are also available as a liquid solution that you can drink by mouth. Tricitrates contains three ingredients (potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and citric acid), while Cytra-K only has two of those ingredients (potassium citrate and citric acid). Cytra-K is also available in a powder packet form (Cytra-K Crystals) that you need to mix with water before drinking. This form is not recommended for children. You get different amounts of potassium and sodium depending on which product you use, so talk to your provider about the best one for you.
          GoodRxEducationalIcon

          How to save using GoodRx

          Compare Prices
          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
          Select your free coupon
          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
          Show coupon to your pharmacist
          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
          Get free couponLearn more
          warings-icon

          What are the 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.

          risk-warning

          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.

            dosage

            Tricitrates dosage forms

            ml of oral solution
            Ml of oral solution
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            550mg/500mg/334mg/5ml473 ml$18.11$0.04

            Typical dosing 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.

            drug-cost

            How much does Tricitrates cost?

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

            $18.11

            (save 72.55%)
            Tricitrates (generic)
            GoodRx lowest price

            $18.11

            (save 72.55%)
            View prices & coupons
            contraindications-icon

            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

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Tricitrates?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tricitrates. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            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

            $18.11 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
            Potassium citrate (Urocit-K)
            Used for:

            • Treatment and prevention of kidney stones made of calcium and uric acid

            $23.74 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

            Get savings updates for Tricitrates

            Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Tricitrates and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

            By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

            Browse medications

            View All

            Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.