Citralka is a urine alkalizer containing disodium hydrogen citrate. It prevents and treats kidney stones and gouty arthritis. It reduces the amount of uric acid the body produces, thus checking the formation of stones. Uric acid is a waste product produced when our digestive system breaks down purine, a chemical very commonly found in our food. When the body is not able to eliminate uric acid, it forms crystals and stones that accumulate in the body causing inflammation and pain.
Citralka is available as a syrup. Your physician will recommend the ideal dosage according to your symptoms and their severity.
Citralka is used to prevent and lessen the development of kidney stones and gout.
When the level of uric acid in your body increases, it forms crystals around the joints and kidneys. This is called gout. These crystals can cause swelling and painful bumps, making it difficult to walk or move the arms.
Disodium hydrogen citrate helps maintain the pH of urine, thereby eliminating gout crystals and kidney stones.
Citralka also helps treat kidney stones by breaking down the stones into smaller pieces that pass through the urine.
Citralka is a urine alkalizer that helps in maintaining the pH of the urine, thus getting rid of kidney stones and crystals formed due to gout. There are also a few side effects of taking this medicine. Most of them are temporary. However, medical discretion is advised before taking this syrup. Common side effects are:
S.no | Product Name | Dosage | Form |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Citralka Liquid | Disodium hydrogen citrate 1.53gm/5ml | Syrup |
2. | Citialfa P | Citicoline 500 mg+piracetam 800 mg | Tablet |
3. | Citralix | Disodium hydrogen citrate 1.25 gm | Tablet |
1. How to take Citralka syrup for urine infection?
Citralka syrup is also consumed by patients with urine infections. Since it is an alkalizer, it makes the urine less acidic and thereby restricts bacterial growth. For treating urine infections, you can consume Citralka with or without food. It is commonly consumed by dissolving in water.
2. Can we take Citralka during pregnancy?
Citralka is not recommended for use during pregnancy as not enough safety data is available to understand its efficacy and potential hazards to the developing fetus. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risk. It is advised to take precautions before using this medicine during pregnancy.
3. Is Citralka an antibiotic?
No. Citralka is not an antibiotic. It is an alkalizer that helps in maintaining the pH of the urine, preventing crystals and kidney stones from being formed. An antibiotic restricts the spread of bacterial infection. Although Citralka is used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), it does not directly kill the bacteria but limits its growth by adjusting the pH of urine.
4. How long can I use Citralka?
Citralka should be consumed as directed by your consulting physician. They will advise you to continue taking the syrup depending on the number of stones, the severity of the disease, and how you respond to the medication. Normally, Citralka is taken for about 5–6 days till symptoms reduce, or as advised by your doctor.
5. Is Citralka harmful?
Citralka is composed of disodium hydrogen citrate which is an acid salt of citric acid. It is not harmful if taken in the right dose as prescribed by your doctor. Although it may cause some discomfort in the stomach and tiredness, it is an effective medicine for gout and kidney stones. However, take precautions to avoid alcohol consumption with Citralka.
6. Should Citralka be diluted?
Yes. Citralka is available and consumed in syrup form. It dissolves quickly in the bloodstream and gets absorbed rapidly into the system. Dilute the prescribed dosage of Citralka in a glass of tepid water. Take this after meals so that it does not cause any irritation to the stomach lining.
7. How many times can we take Citralka syrup?
Citralka should be consumed as long as your doctor advises it, depending on the severity of your disease and symptoms. You may experience some side effects like stomach cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These will resolve gradually. Consult your doctor if they do not subside within a few days.
8. Can I take Citralka daily?
Yes. You can consume Citralka every day at the same time for better results. Your consulting doctor will prescribe the right dosage and frequency based on your medical condition and disease severity. They will adjust your dosage based on your reaction to taking it every day. Overconsumption can cause stomach irritation, flatulence, cramps, diarrhea, and in rare cases, anxiety.
9. How does Citralka work?
Citralka is an alkalizing agent composed of disodium hydrogen citrate. It is an acidic salt of citric acid. Sodium citrate is absorbed by the bloodstream and becomes bicarbonate, which increases the pH of urine. It thus increases the elimination of free carbonate ions. As the urine remains alkaline, it excretes the stones and restricts further uric acid crystal formation.
10. How long does Citralka take to work?
Citralka has a half-life of 4–6 hours, which means it takes about 4–6 hours for the body to reduce the drug to half its concentration. Citralka will start working within a few minutes of consumption depending on the dosage taken, as recommended by your doctor.
11. What is the function of Citralka liquid?
Citralka syrup is used to treat painful crystals caused by gouty arthritis and kidney stones. It helps decrease the uric acid levels that build up in the body. This may happen due to certain bodily functions and conditions like dehydration. Citralka raises the pH of urine, making it less acidic, which prevents the formation of these stones.
To know more about the uses, side effects, and efficacy of Citralka, get in touch with our team of medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.