Sodium Citrate During Pregnancy – Is It Safe to Take?

Is It Safe To Consume Sodium Citrate During Pregnancy?

Sodium Citrate is not not be taken during pregnancy without  prescription suggestion. Doctors always weigh the benefits before prescribing these to pregnant women. The sodium content of antacids is sufficient to increase the blood pressure or increase edema. Under those circumstances doctors prescribe antacids without sodium citrate. Women with borderline Preeclampsia or having Pre-eclampsia should not use antacids which can increase the risk further.

What Are The Uses Of Sodium Citrate?

The Use of Sodium citrate comes from its alkaline nature. It is a highly effective alkalizing agent that can neutralize the effect of excessive acid regulations in the body (1).

• Sodium citrate is used for neutralizing acidity effectively and quickly
• Used in chronic metabolic acidosis which is an acid-base imbalance in body caused by improper functioning of kidneys.
• Used in cases of excessive uric acid production and reducing the formation of kidney stones.
• To maintain the alkaline urine PH and reduce acidic urine
• Sodium citrate is the antacid of choice during labor and combined with other gastric medications is given during c-section or other procedures involving anesthesia (2).

Side Effects Of Sodium Citrate 

Sodium citrate may have both major and minor side effects. Major side effects are rare but may need immediate medical attention when they occur. Some of the adverse effects of Sodium citrate include (3).

• Rash, hives, itching
• Bolstered, red or skin peeling with or without fever
• Wheezing, difficulty in speaking
• Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest or throat
• Swelling of facial parts
• Pounding heartbeat, fluttering in your chest, uneven heartbeats
• Increase in blood pressure
• Blurred or tunnel vision, eye pain etc

Some of the minor side effects include  diarrhea, vomiting, involuntary muscle contractions , fluid retention and
excessive alkalinity in the body fluids. There may be other side effects that may occur while using this drug. Call the doctor if the above side effects persist for a longer time.

Alternative Medicines To Sodium Citrate

There are certain other better alternatives to sodium citrate when one cannot take sodium citrate –

1. Antacids containing calcium salts like calcium carbonate.
2. Antacids with simethicone and alginates.
3. Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum are frequently prescribed as it is well tolerated and has fewer side effects compared to other antacids.

Sodium citrate is a potent antacid and can reduce gastric acid secretions fast and effectively. It can also increase the Ph of the urine reducing the burning sensation while passing the urine. Unless prescribed by the doctors, one must not take sodium citrate during pregnancy. Pregnant women who are having hypertension issues, preeclampsia, previous kidney and heart problems should refrain from using sodium citrate. There are other better alternatives such as magnesium and aluminum containing antacid preparations which are considered way more safe options to sodium citrate.

FAQ’s

1. Why Is Sodium Citrate Used In Labor And Delivery?

Sodium citrate is given as prophylaxis during c-section deliveries to prevent entering of acid into lungs (Acid aspiration syndrome) due to anesthesia medication. Acid aspiration syndrome leads to maternal pneumonia which can be life threatening.

2. Who Shouldn’t Take Sodium Citrate?

Sodium Citrate is not recomended for those who are allergic to sodium citrate or citric acid, have kidney problems, any heart related issues, or uncontrolled hypertension.

3. What Foods Are High In Sodium Citrate?

In different processed foods, Manufacturers often uses sodium citrate as a thickening agent, emulsifier and stabilizer. It is usually found in processed cheese, ice creams, jams, gelatin mix, salad dressings, canned fruits and vegetables etc.

References

1. SODIUM CITRATE AND CITRIC ACID
   https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=b3d5225c-0ee4-481e-b9ec-bc5e1321096d&type=display
2. Prescribing for labour
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2873914/#:~:text=Sodium%20citrate%20is%20the%20antacid,or%20other%20procedure%20involving%20anaesthesia.
3. Sodium Picosulfate, Magnesium Oxide, and Anhydrous Citric Acid
   https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613020.html