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Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 4, 2024.

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Trisodium citrate dihydrate (C6H5Na3O7.2H2O) is a tribasic salt of citric acid. It has a sour taste similar to citric acid, and is salty as well. It is often used as a food preservative, and as a flavoring in the food industry. In the pharmaceutical industry it is used to control pH. It may be used as an alkalizing agent, buffering agent, emulsifier, or sequestering agent.[1]

According to the FDA Select Committee on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food substances, citrate salts, including sodium citrate, are generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities.[2]

Some examples of medications containing Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate

References

  1. Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
  2. FDA’s SCOGS database; triethyl citrate; SCOGS-Report Number: 84; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=356 Accessed March 26, 2012.

Further information

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