Generic
Sodium Bicarbonate
10 brands available in the market
At a glance
Sodium Bicarbonate is an antacid and alkalizer used for heartburn, indigestion, gas, and metabolic acidosis. It neutralizes stomach acid and increases blood and urine pH.
Description
Sodium Bicarbonate is a systemic alkalizer that increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ions, and raises blood pH to reverse acidosis. It also acts as a urinary alkalizer, increasing free bicarbonate ion excretion in urine to raise urinary pH and replenish electrolyte loss in severe diarrhea.
Indications
- Acidosis management in cardiac arrest
- Urine alkalinization
- Metabolic acidosis (severe renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory insufficiency from shock/dehydration, severe primary lactic acidosis)
- Indigestion, heartburn, gas
Therapeutic class
Urinary Alkalinizing Agent
Pharmacological class
Systemic Alkalizer
Pharmacology
Sodium Bicarbonate increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ions, and raises blood pH to reverse acidosis. As a urinary alkalizer, it increases free bicarbonate ion excretion in urine to raise urinary pH. It replenishes electrolyte balance in severe diarrhea with significant bicarbonate loss.
Mechanism of action
Neutralizes stomach acid, increases blood and urine pH to correct acidosis.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 300 mg to 2 g, 1-4 times daily
Intravenous (Severe metabolic acidosis):
- Adults: Slow injection of 8.4% hypertonic solution or continuous infusion of 1.26% solution; 50 ml of 8.4% solution in cardiac life support
Administration
- Take with or without food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- IV administration only by a physician
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Stomach cramps
- Flatulence
- Headache, nausea, irritability
Serious (Inform doctor):
- Muscle weakness, slow reflexes, confusion
- Swelling of feet or ankles
- Black tar-like stools, coffee-ground vomit
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in pre-existing heart, kidney, liver disease, hypertension
- Caution on salt-restricted diets (sodium content)
- Avoid use in second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypoventilatory states
- Excessive chloride depletion from vomiting or GI suction
- Metabolic and/or respiratory alkalosis
- Hypocalcemia
Drug interactions
- Aspirin and other salicylates, memantine, enteric-coated medications
- Corticosteroids, corticotropin, alkalis, calcium, diuretics, potassium
- May decrease effectiveness of ampicillin, atazanavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, iron supplements, sucralfate
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Sodium Bicarbonate; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show adverse renal effects; not recommended in second and third trimesters; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; drug may pass into breast milk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Use in children as directed by a physician
Geriatric use
Elderly: Dose adjustment may be required
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
If alkalosis occurs, stop bicarbonate; administer 0.9% sodium chloride IV; potassium chloride if hypokalemic; severe alkalosis may require calcium gluconate or ammonium chloride.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Sodium Bicarbonate