sodium bicarbonate

Generic Name: sodium bicarbonate

What is sodium bicarbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid.

Sodium bicarbonate is used to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Sodium bicarbonate is also used to make the blood and urine less acidic in certain conditions

Sodium bicarbonate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sodium bicarbonate?

Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you have:

  • an intestinal problem or appendicitis;

  • heart problems;

  • high blood pressure;

  • swelling of the arms or legs;

  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease; or

  • problems urinating;

Talk to your doctor before taking sodium bicarbonate if you are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor before taking sodium bicarbonate if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take sodium bicarbonate?

Take sodium bicarbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the sodium bicarbonate tablets with a full glass of water.

Store sodium bicarbonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of sodium bicarbonate?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Where can I get more information about sodium bicarbonate?
Your pharmacist has information about sodium bicarbonate written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of sodium bicarbonate?

Stop taking sodium bicarbonate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Stop taking sodium bicarbonate and notify your doctor if you experience

  • nausea or vomiting;

  • headache;

  • sever mood changes;

  • muscle pain;

  • swelling of feet, ankles or legs

  • decreased appetite;

  • unusual tiredness;

  • constipation;

  • dry mouth or increased thirst; or

  • increased urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about sodium bicarbonate?

Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you take any other medications.

Sodium bicarbonate contains a large amount of sodium. If you are on a sodium restricted diet or have high blood pressure talk to your health care professional before taking sodium bicarbonate.

What should I avoid while taking sodium bicarbonate?

If you take other medicines, do not take sodium bicarbonate without first talking to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect sodium bicarbonate?

Before taking sodium bicarbonate, tell your doctor if you are taking

  • mecamylamine (Inversine);

  • methenamine (Mandelamine);

  • ketoconazole (Nizoral);

  • antacids;

  • a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take sodium bicarbonate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sodium bicarbonate. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of sodium bicarbonate?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008