VPT 311: General and Systemic Veterinary Pharmacology (2+1)

ACIDIFICATION OF URINE

• Acidification of urine is used as a test for renal tubular acidosis. Acidification helps in the excretion of certain drugs like amphetamine, phencyclidine, quinine etc.
• Ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid or calcium chloride can be used to acidify urine.
• Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is metabolised in the liver to NH₄⁺ and Cl^-.
• The Cl^- is excreted along with Na⁺.
• The base conserving mechanisms secrete H⁺ and NH₄⁺ into the urine.

Administration and uses

• Acidification increases action of hexamine, penicillins and tetracyclines in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
• Acidification increases excretion of basic drugs like Pethidine and amphetamine