Sodium Bicarbonate

Urinary Alkalinizing Agent

Sodium bicarbonate is a systemic alkalizer, which increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, and raises blood pH, thereby reversing the clinical manifestations of acidosis. It is also a urinary alkalizer, increasing the excretion of free bicarbonate ions in the urine, thus effectively raising the urinary pH. It also replenishes electrolyte imbalance in severe diarrhea where the loss of bicarbonate can be significant.

Oral: The usual dose is 300 mg to 2 grams, 1 to 4 times daily. Intravenous (Severe metabolic acidosis): Adult: By slow inj of a hypertonic solution of up to 8.4% (1000 mmol/L), or by continuous infusion of a weaker solution, usually 1.26% (150 mmol/L). For correction of acidosis during advanced cardiac life support procedures, 50 ml of an 8.4% solution may be given. Elderly: Dosage adjustments may be required.

Some drugs that may interact with this drug are: Aspirin and other salicylates, memantine, medications with enteric coating. Potentially hazardous interactions with Corticosteroids and Corticotropin, Alkalis, Calcium, Diuretics and Potassium. It can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs including Ampicillin, Atazanavir, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Iron supplements, Sucralfate etc.

Sodium Bicarbonate Injection is contraindicated in patients with renal failure, respiratory or metabolic alkalosis, hypoventilation or chloride depletion, hypernatraemia, hypertension, oedema, congestive heart failure, eclampsia, aldosteronism, a history of urinary calculi and consistent potassium depletion or hypocalcaemia. It is also generally contraindicated in patients with excessive chloride loss from vomiting or continuous gastrointestinal suctioning and in patients at risk of developing diuretic?induced hypochloraemic alkalosis.

weakness, paralysis, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias,

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with sodium bicarbonate. Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. The use of Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, as with any drug, in pregnant or lactating women should only be undertaken if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk to the mother and fetus or child.

If alkalosis results, the bicarbonate should be stopped and the patient managed according to the degree of alkalosis present. 0.9% sodium chloride injection intravenous may be given; potassium chloride also may be indicated if there is hypokalemia. Severe alkalosis may be accompanied by hyperirritability or tetany and these symptoms may be controlled by calcium gluconate. An acidifying agent such as ammonium chloride may also be indication in severe alkalosis

Do not store above 30°C, protect from light & moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.

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