Bicitrate

Bicitrate refers to a salt formed from citric acid, a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. Specifically, it indicates that two citric acid molecules are associated with a single cation (positively charged ion). Typically, the cation involved is a metallic element, such as potassium or sodium.

The presence of "bi-" in the name indicates the presence of two citrate moieties. This stoichiometry affects the compound's properties, such as its solubility, buffering capacity, and potential therapeutic applications.

Bicitrate salts are often used in pharmaceutical preparations and dietary supplements. Their primary use is to act as urinary alkalinizers, meaning they increase the pH of urine. This action can be beneficial in treating and preventing certain types of kidney stones, particularly those composed of uric acid or cystine, which are more soluble at higher pH levels. The increase in urinary pH helps dissolve existing stones and prevent the formation of new ones. Bicitrates may also be prescribed for other conditions where urinary alkalinization is desired.

Different bicitrate salts exist, depending on the cation involved. The most common forms are potassium bicitrate and sodium bicitrate. Each salt has slightly different properties and may be preferred depending on the individual patient's needs and electrolyte balance. Careful monitoring of electrolyte levels is usually necessary when administering bicitrate salts, especially in patients with kidney or heart conditions.

The term bicitrate can also be used more generally to describe any salt where two citric acid molecules are coordinated to a central cation, even if the specific cation isn't potassium or sodium. However, in a medical context, potassium bicitrate and sodium bicitrate are the most frequently encountered and clinically relevant forms.