Sodium Citrate IP is a chemical compound commonly used in pharmaceuticals, characterized by its appearance as a white or almost white crystalline powder or granular substance. It is odorless, with a slightly saline and cooling taste. The compound is the trisodium salt of citric acid and exhibits excellent solubility in water, while being practically insoluble in alcohol. Its aqueous solution is mildly alkaline due to its buffering capacity, making it useful in regulating pH in various formulations. Sodium citrate also exhibits good stability and is often included in products requiring long shelf lives.

This versatile compound serves a variety of functions in the pharmaceutical industry. It is widely used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of solutions, ensuring the stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Sodium citrate also acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions, thereby preventing blood coagulation, which is particularly valuable in blood storage and laboratory diagnostic applications. Additionally, it is included in oral effervescent formulations, where it contributes to the fizzing action and enhances solubility for ease of consumption. Its alkalinizing properties make it effective in treating metabolic acidosis and conditions like cystitis by neutralizing excess acid in the body.

Beyond its pharmaceutical uses, sodium citrate finds application in other industries, such as food and cosmetics, owing to its safety and multifunctionality. In food-grade products, it is used as an acidity regulator and preservative, while in personal care products, it stabilizes emulsions and enhances product performance. Its combination of chemical stability, biocompatibility, and functional versatility makes sodium citrate an essential ingredient in numerous formulations across different sectors.