Influence of long-term citro-soda ingestion on acid-base balance and blood gases.

Citro-Soda (Abbott), 4 gram every 6 hours, was administered orally over a period of 8 weeks to 20 healthy female volunteers, and its influence on acid-base, urinary pH and other biochemical parameters was assessed. The mean urinary pH increased from a basal value of 6,0 to 7,4 after 7 days, and to 7,7 after 8 weeks. Blood pH increased significantly during the first 2 weeks only, and then returned to basal values. Likewise, the base excess and standard bicarbonate values increased significantly during the first 2 weeks only. The PO2 and PCO2 remained within normal limits for the duration of the trial. Electrolyte values and liver and kidney function showed no abnormality. Thus, in subjects with normal renal function, Citro-Soda appears to be safe for long-term use in a dosage adequate for sustained urinary alkalinization.