Sodium citrate
Brand names: Cymalon, Cystopurin, Micralax (enema)
Sodium citrate is an oral urinary alkalinising agent used for the short-term symptomatic relief of discomfort in mild urinary tract infections, such as cystitis.
The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It is metabolised to bicarbonate, raising urinary pH and reducing the acidity that contributes to dysuria, thereby easing symptoms.
Prescribing in practice
- It carries a sodium load and should be avoided or used with caution in patients with hypertension, heart failure or other conditions where sodium intake must be restricted.
- It does not treat infection, so an appropriate antibacterial must still be given when a urinary tract infection requires treatment.
- Caution is needed in renal impairment because of the risk of sodium and acid-base disturbance.
Monitoring
Routine monitoring is not usually required for short-term use; reassess if symptoms persist or where sodium balance is a clinical concern.
Counselling the patient
- Dissolve or dilute the medicine in water as instructed before taking it.
- It eases symptoms only; complete any antibiotic you have been prescribed and seek review if you do not improve.
Evidence & guidelines
Urinary alkalinising preparations are established for symptomatic relief of mild cystitis; refer to current prescribing references for cautions.
Reference: NICE NG109; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
