Sodium bicarbonate is a drug that is commonly used to treat metabolic acidosis, which is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids. In addition, this drug is also used to treat excess stomach acid.
Sodium bicarbonate is a compound that is quite often present in our daily lives. We can find this material as a developer in the form of baking soda or baking soda . But in the medical world, sodium bicarbonate has different benefits.
Sodium bicarbonate is often used by doctors as a neutralizer for acids in the body. This compound works by decomposing itself into sodium and bicarbonate in water, so that the solution becomes alkaline and is able to neutralize acids.
Apart from metabolic acidosis and stomach acid, sodium bicarbonate can also be used to improve the pH of urine that is too acidic. Urine conditions that are too acidic can increase the risk of kidney stones. Sodium bicarbonate is used to prevent this from happening.
Sodium bicarbonate trademarks: Sodium Bicarbonate, Meylon 84-BP and Novonate 8.4%.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Urine pH changing electrolytes ( alkalinizing agent ) and antacids |
| Benefit | Neutralizes excess blood acid, neutralizes urine that is too acidic, and neutralizes excess stomach acid. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Sodium Bicarbonate for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. It is not yet known whether sodium bicarbonate is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and injectable liquid |
Warning Before Using Sodium Bicarbonate
There are several things you need to pay attention to before using sodium bicarbonate, including:
- Do not use this medication if you have an allergy to sodium bicarbonate.
- Do not use this medication if you are on a low salt diet, because this medication contains sodium (salt).
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have heart disease, kidney problems, liver disease , bloody stools, hypertension , electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hypochloridia), pulmonary edema , or leg edema .
- Do not give this medicine to children under 12 years of age, unless directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or overdose after using sodium bicarbonate.
Dosage and Rules for Using Sodium Bicarbonate
The following is the general dosage for sodium bicarbonate based on the patient's condition:
- Chronic metabolic acidosis : 325–2,000 mg 1–4 times daily.
- Alkalinization of urine to prevent kidney stones from uric acid : initial dose of 4,000 mg, then 1,000–2,000 mg every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 16,000 mg daily.
- Heartburn: 1,000–5,000 mg, every 4–6 hours.
To overcome the condition of heavy blood acid buildup, the doctor will give sodium bicarbonate which is put into injections or intravenous fluids. The dosage of the drug and the method of administration will be determined by the doctor.
How to Use Sodium Bicarbonate Properly
Use sodium bicarbonate according to the instructions on the packaging or doctor's instructions. Sodium bicarbonate tablets can be swallowed immediately with the help of a glass of water.
If you are using sodium bicarbonate as a heartburn medication, take this medication 1–2 hours after eating. When used to treat other conditions, this drug can be consumed directly or with food. Do not take the medicine on a full stomach with food.
Do not use sodium bicarbonate with milk or dairy products, as this can increase the risk of side effects. If you are taking other medications, leave at least 1–2 hours between them and sodium bicarbonate.
Do not use sodium bicarbonate for more than 2 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after taking this drug, contact your doctor immediately.
If you forget to consume sodium bicarbonate, consume it immediately if the gap with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Store sodium bicarbonate at room temperature, in a dry place, and avoid direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Sodium Bicarbonate with Other Drugs
Interactions that can occur if sodium bicarbonate is used with certain drugs are:
- Decreased absorption of tetracycline, rifampicin , chloroquine, phenothiazines , or phenytoin by the body if used simultaneously or in close time with sodium bicarbonate
- Increased risk of side effects from amphetamine , ephedrine, quinidine , or quinine
- Increased risk of developing hypochloremic alkalosis, a condition in which the blood becomes alkaline due to a lack of chloride, when used with diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
- Decreased effectiveness of ampicillin , aspirin, dolutegravir, lithium , pazopanib, methotrexate, sucralfate, iron supplements , and azole antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and fluconazole
Side Effects and Dangers of Sodium Bicarbonate
Potential side effects after using sodium bicarbonate include:
- Nauseous
- Get thirsty quickly
- Bloated
- stomach cramps
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Weight gain drastically
- Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
- Chest hurts
- seizures
- Severe headache
- No appetite
- Bloody urine
- Mood or mental changes, for example, being confused, irritable, or having memory problems
- Bloody or black stools that look like tar
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds