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# Citral
## Overview
Citral is a mixture of two acyclic monoterpene geometric isomers, geranial (trans-citral) and neral (cis-citral). It is found in the essential oils of various plants, including lemon myrtle, lemon verbena, and lemongrass. It is used as a flavoring agent and fragrance ingredient. There is limited clinical data on its use as a therapeutic agent.
## Primary Indications
* Flavoring and fragrance agent.
* Limited and primarily traditional use for gastrointestinal upset and as an insect repellent.
## Adult Dosing
No standardized therapeutic dosing is established. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a food flavoring agent at levels typically below 1%.
## Pediatric Dosing
No established therapeutic dosing. Safety and efficacy in pediatric populations have not been evaluated.
## Dose Adjustments
Not applicable due to lack of established therapeutic dosing.
## Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to citral or any component of the formulation.
## Adverse Effects
* Skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis are the most commonly reported adverse effects, particularly with topical exposure.
* Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting) with ingestion of high doses.
## Key Drug Interactions
No significant drug interactions are established in the literature for therapeutic use.
## Monitoring
Not applicable for use as a flavoring agent. If used for other purposes, monitor for signs of allergic reaction or skin irritation.
## Clinical Pearls
Citral is primarily used for its aromatic and flavoring properties. Its therapeutic applications are not well-supported by robust clinical evidence.
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**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for clinical pharmacists and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant literature before making any clinical decisions. Dosing and recommendations can vary based on patient-specific factors and local protocols.
