Disodium Citrate for Burning Micturition (Dysuria)

Mechanism of Action and Benefits

• Sodium citrate creates an osmotic imbalance that brings water into the large bowel to soften stool and stimulates the bowel to contract, but in the urinary tract, it works by alkalinizing the urine, which can reduce irritation of the urinary tract mucosa 1
• Citrate therapy provides an alkali load that leads to increased urine pH, which can reduce irritation of the urinary tract mucosa 2

Clinical Considerations

• Potassium citrate is generally preferred over sodium citrate for long-term use due to lower risk of increasing urinary calcium excretion, which could potentially promote stone formation in susceptible individuals 2
• Sodium citrate may increase urinary calcium excretion, which could potentially promote stone formation in susceptible individuals 2