Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline powder used as an antacid to relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It can also be used as a buffering agent in various medical conditions.

Indications

Treatment of metabolic acidosis, promotion of gastric, systemic, and urinary alkalinization, replacement therapy in severe diarrhea, used to reduce incidence of chemical phlebitis.

Dosage

Oral dosage varied; Usual Adult Dose for moderate metabolic acidosis is 325 to 2000mg orally 1 to 4 times a day.

Contra-Indications

Patients who are losing chloride by vomiting or from continuous gastrointestinal suction, and in patients receiving diuretics known to produce a hypochloremic alkalosis, metabolic and respiratory alkalosis, hypocalcemia in which alkalosis may produce tetany, hypetension, convulsions, or CHF.

Side Effects

Nause, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, swelling of feet, ankles or legs, decreased appetite, unusual, tiredness, constipation, dry mouth, or increased thirst or increased urination.

Drug Interactions

Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, flecainide, chlorpropamide, lithium, methotrexate, salicylates, tetracyclines.