The U.S. FDA-approved Sodium Bicarbonate for indigestion problems on February 27, 2006. Sodium Bicarbonate belongs to the medication class known as an antacid, which neutralizes gastric acid and raises the gastric content's pH.

Sodium bicarbonate is used as an alkalinizing agent in treating ingestion, heartburn, metabolic acidosis, severe diarrhea, and acidity.

Sodium Bicarbonate Tablet:

Take the Sodium Bicarbonate as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Sodium Bicarbonate Injection: 

Sodium Bicarbonate will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in muscle or vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Sodium Bicarbonate Powder/sachet: 

Take the Sodium Bicarbonate as your physician advises. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Typically, the powder/sachet is dissolved in water and taken orally. It is important to measure the correct dosage and mix it thoroughly before drinking. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Sodium Bicarbonate Syrup

Take the Sodium Bicarbonate as your physician advises. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Typically, the syrup is taken orally. It is important to measure the correct dosage and mix it thoroughly before drinking. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate are low potassium levels (resulting in muscle twitching and weakness), low blood sugar, high sodium levels (causing increased thirst and urination), acidosis (increased breathing rate), increased blood volume, low calcium levels (muscle contractions), swelling and bleeding, stomach cramps, increased blood pressure, increased potassium in the blood, fluid retention in the lungs. Serious side effects while taking Sodium Bicarbonate are allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin).

Sodium Bicarbonate should not be consumed if you are allergic to Sodium Bicarbonate or any of its ingredients in the medication. Do not use this injection if you have hypoventilation (slow or shallow breathing), certain blood abnormalities, kidney stones, high blood pressure, high levels of alkali in blood, low levels of calcium, kidney or liver, or heart failure, or if you experience fluid retention.

It is important to inform your doctor about these conditions before starting the treatment. During the treatment with this medicine, your healthcare provider may regularly monitor your blood acid levels. Notify your doctor if you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet or intolerant to sucrose, as it contains a small amount of sucrose present in the medication. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding.

Liver, heart, and kidney patients should take Sodium Bicarbonate cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Do not breastfeed while taking Sodium Bicarbonate unless your doctor advises. 

Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Martindale pharma, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Aug 2018] [Accessed on 16th June 2023], pil.3697.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
2. Hospira, INC, Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2005] [Accessed on 16th June 2023], Sodium Bicarbonate (fda.gov)
3. Sodium bicarbonate; Ingenus Pharmaceuticals; Revised 2021; [Accessed 16th June 2023]; https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=3cb67478-1a51-4e7d-a529-79029655f5d9&type=display
4. WebMD, Sodium bicarbonate,  [Accessed 16th June 2023] SODIUM BICARBONATE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (webmd.com)
5. Drugs.com,  [Accessed 16th June 2023] Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets Information - Drugs.com

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.