Citric acid: quick answers
- Used for
- For the relief of Heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms.
- Usual adult dose
- Adults 18 years of age and over: take up 1 chewable and repeat every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by a physician Do not swallow whole.
- Prescription
- Sold without prescription in the United States; rules differ by country.
From the official label (Jan 2025). Your prescription and pharmacist come first.
How to use Citric acid
What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.
Who it is for
For the relief of Heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms.
How to take it and how often
Adults 18 years of age and over: take up 1 chewable and repeat every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by a physician Do not swallow whole
Talk to a doctor first if
Ask a doctor before use if you are Presently taking a prescription drug, Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs
Warnings
Do not take more than 4 chewables in a 24-hour period, or use the maximum dosage of this product for more than 2 weeks except under the advice and supervision of a physician Do not use Do not take more than 4 chewables in a 24-hour period, or use the maximum dosage of this product for more than 2 weeks except under the advice and supervision of a physician Ask a doctor before use if you are Presently taking a prescription drug, Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs Stop using and ask a doctor if Presently taking a prescription drug, Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a health professional before use Keep out of reach of …
Possible side effects
Stop using and ask a doctor if Presently taking a prescription drug, Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a health professional before use Keep out of reach of children In case of overdose seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away Keep out of reach of children In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away
If you take too much
In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away
How to store it
Keep out of reach of children.
If you miss a dose
Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.
How much Citric acid costs
In other countries
Prices in other countries are not what you will pay where you live; they show how prices compare.
What Citric acid looks like
Compare with your pack. Packs differ between countries and makers; a pack that looks different is not always fake, so scan it to check the registration.
Price of Citric acid in: United Kingdom
Brands around the world
Products with Citric acid as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.
Registered products
United States (FDA)
Nigeria (NAFDAC)
NAFDACAvrolin Cough Linctus_ B4-0978NAFDACFeccox Mist Potassium Citrate A11-0049NAFDACKrishat Mist. Potassium Citrate B.P.C _ A11-100910NAFDACJawalk Oral Solution## (strength format) A11-0138NAFDACNovalyn Cough Linctus## (strength format) A4-7447NAFDACJehyson Mist Potassium Citrate B.P.C 200 mL A11-100726Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.
Safety alerts and recalls
A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.
Check your pack of Citric acid
Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.
Questions about Citric acid
What is Citric acid used for?
For the relief of Heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms. (From the official U.S. FDA label.)
How do I take Citric acid?
Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: Adults 18 years of age and over: take up 1 chewable and repeat every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by a physician Do not swallow whole…
Can I take Citric acid while breastfeeding?
If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a health professional before use. Ask your doctor or midwife first.
Do I need a prescription for Citric acid?
In many countries Citric acid is sold without a prescription in some strengths. Rules differ by country, so ask a pharmacist.
What brands contain Citric acid?
Citric acid is sold under names such as Picot, Bromo Seltzer Antacid Pain Reliever, Alka-seltzer, Clenpiq, Cytra 2, Cytra-3, Cytra-k, Oracit. Brand names differ between countries.
What are the side effects of Citric acid?
The official label lists: Stop using and ask a doctor if Presently taking a prescription drug, Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Can I take Citric acid when pregnant or breastfeeding?
If pregnant or breast-feeding consult a health professional before use Keep out of reach of children In case of overdose seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away Keep out of reach of children In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away Ask your doctor or midwife first.
What happens if I take too much Citric acid?
In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away Get medical help right away.
How can I check that my Citric acid is genuine?
Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.
Sources
- U.S. FDA drug label (label of 15 Jan 2025)
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, RxNorm
- NAFDAC Greenbook (Nigeria)
- U.S. FDA National Drug Code directory
- WHO Medical Product Alerts
This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.