Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate is an anticoagulant solution used primarily in blood collection and extracorporeal circuits such as dialysis and apheresis procedures. It works by binding free calcium in the blood, which is an essential cofactor required for multiple steps in the clotting cascade. This medication is not typically used for systemic anticoagulation in patients but rather for preventing clot formation in blood products and medical equipment.
Sodium Citrate is an anticoagulant used during blood collection and extracorporeal procedures to prevent clotting by binding calcium in the blood.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B05CB02
- RxNorm
- 56466
- Generic
- Sodium Citrate
- Class
- atc-b05
- Brands
- Cytra 2, Cytra-3, Oracit, Regiocit, Emetrol Chewables, Emetrol Powder, BSS Ophthalmic Solution
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic, oral
- Forms
- injection, solution, tablet
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during pregnancy unless clearly needed, discuss risks and benefits with healthcare provider
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly indicated, monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
regular prenatal monitoring, electrolyte checks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly indicated, monitor for metabolic alkalosis
regular prenatal monitoring, electrolyte and acid-base balance checks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
elderlydose adjustment may be needed based on renal function
use with caution, monitor renal function and electrolytes regularly
regular renal function tests, electrolyte monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrendose based on weight and clinical indication
use under medical supervision, appropriate for pediatric use
monitor electrolytes and acid-base balance
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemonitor renal function, may need dose adjustment
use with caution, monitor electrolytes and fluid balance
regular renal function tests, electrolyte monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or use with extreme caution at reduced doses
avoid use in severe renal impairment due to risk of sodium overload and metabolic alkalosis
frequent renal function and electrolyte monitoring if use is necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution, no specific dose adjustment guidelines
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment, monitor acid-base balance
monitor liver function tests and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Sodium Citrate
Common therapeutic uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Available formulations
Dosage forms and formulations
Used during blood transfusion and collection to prevent clotting of donated blood, in hemodialysis circuits to prevent clot formation on dialysis membranes, and in apheresis procedures where blood components are separated and collected outside the body.
Sodium citrate binds ionized (free) calcium in the blood, making it unavailable for the coagulation cascade. Since calcium is required as a cofactor for several enzymatic steps in clot formation, temporarily removing it from circulation prevents blood from clotting while it is outside the body or passing through medical equipment.
This medication is administered directly into blood collection lines or extracorporeal circuits, not given systemically to patients. In procedures where large volumes are used, citrate toxicity can cause hypocalcemia with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, or in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias. Patients undergoing prolonged apheresis may require calcium supplementation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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