Citric Acid
Citric Acid, in its citrate form, is used as an anticoagulant solution during medical procedures involving extracorporeal blood circulation, such as blood transfusions, hemodialysis, and apheresis.
Citric acid/citrate is an anticoagulant solution used during blood transfusions and other procedures involving extracorporeal circulation to prevent clotting.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A09AB04
- RxNorm
- 21183
- Generic
- Citric Acid
- Class
- atc-a09a
- Brands
- Picot, Bromo Seltzer Antacid Pain Reliever, Alka-Seltzer, Clenpiq, Cytra 2, Cytra-3, Cytra-K, Oracit, Phexxi, E-Z-Gas II, Phexx, Renacidin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, vaginal, topical
- Forms
- tablet, solution, gel
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Citric acid/citrate anticoagulant is used during procedures where blood is circulated outside the body, including blood transfusions, hemodialysis, plateletpheresis, plasmapheresis, and other apheresis procedures. It is particularly essential for preventing clot formation in tubing and equipment during these extracorporeal circuits.
Citrate works by chelating (binding) free ionized calcium in the blood. Since calcium serves as a necessary cofactor for several critical steps in the coagulation cascade, temporarily reducing free calcium effectively inhibits the clotting process. When blood returns to the patient, the citrate is metabolized and calcium levels normalize, restoring normal coagulation.
This medication is administered by healthcare professionals in controlled clinical settings during specific procedures. Patient calcium levels should be monitored during treatment, as excessive citrate can lead to hypocalcemia. The solution is typically used as part of anticoagulant citrate dextrose (ACD) or similar formulations designed specifically for extracorporeal circulation.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy