The effectiveness of sodium citrate as an antacid

Abstract

Thirty ml of 0.3 M sodium citrate effectively elevates the pH of liquid stomach contents in 30 patients undergoing cesarean section. Although the administration of this antacid can reduce the severity of aspiration should it occur, the prevention of aspiration lies in the more liberal use of regional anesthesia as well as in the strict adherence to established methods of inducing anesthesia in patients whose stomachs are not empty.