Sodium Bicarbonate
About Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate is a medicine used to neutralise excess acid in the stomach and, in certain medical conditions, reduce excess acidity in the blood or make the urine less acidic. It may be used for temporary relief from heartburn and acid indigestion, or prescribed to manage metabolic acidosis (a condition in which too much acid builds up in the body) and conditions that require urine alkalinisation.
This medicine works by neutralising acid. In the stomach, it temporarily reduces acidity and may relieve the burning sensation and discomfort associated with heartburn or acid indigestion. When prescribed for other conditions, it can help restore the body's acid–base balance or increase the urine pH. When used for heartburn, Sodium Bicarbonate is generally intended for occasional, short-term symptom relief. If your symptoms occur frequently, persist, or keep returning, consult your doctor, as another antacid or acid-reducing medicine may be more appropriate.
Take Sodium Bicarbonate exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the product label. Swallow the capsule or tablet with a full glass of water and follow the instructions about whether to take it with or without food. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use it for longer than advised. Sodium bicarbonate may affect how some medicines are absorbed or removed from the body. The recommended interval between doses varies depending on the other medicine, so ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to separate them.
Common side effects may include wind, bloating, stomach discomfort, increased thirst, or nausea. Excessive or prolonged use may cause fluid retention or changes in the body's salt and acid–base balance. Before taking Sodium Bicarbonate, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney or liver problems, high sodium levels, swelling caused by fluid retention, or if you follow a low-salt diet. Stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice if you develop swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain, persistent vomiting, muscle weakness or spasms, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, an older adult, or considering giving Sodium Bicarbonate to a child, consult your doctor before use. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, herbal products, and supplements you take, as interactions may occur.
Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Bicarbonate helps reduce excess acidity in the stomach or body, depending on the reason it has been prescribed. Its main benefits include:
- Relieves acid-related discomfort: By neutralising excess stomach acid, Sodium Bicarbonate may provide temporary relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and a sour or acidic feeling in the stomach.
- Helps restore the body's acid–base balance: When prescribed for metabolic acidosis, Sodium Bicarbonate helps reduce excess acidity in the blood and restore a healthier acid–base balance.
- Makes the urine less acidic: Sodium Bicarbonate may help increase the urine pH when urine alkalinisation is required as part of treatment for certain medical conditions.
- Supports the management of certain urinary stones: By making the urine less acidic, Sodium Bicarbonate may help prevent the formation or recurrence of certain types of urinary stones when used as part of a doctor-recommended treatment plan.
Directions for Use
- Sodium Bicarbonate can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor but avoid taking it on an overly full stomach.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Sodium Bicarbonate as a whole with a glass of water.
• Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild stomach gas or flatulence
- Feeling bloated or full
- Mild stomach cramps
- Increased thirst
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or lower legs
- Rapid, unexplained weight gain
- Muscle weakness, twitching, or painful muscle spasms
- Severe headache, nausea, or ongoing loss of appetite
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the packaging before use: Check the expiry date and ensure the packaging is intact. Do not use the medicine if it has expired or the packaging is damaged.
- Do not use it for longer than recommended: If you are using Sodium Bicarbonate for heartburn or indigestion, do not continue treatment beyond the period stated on the product label without consulting your doctor. Persistent or recurring symptoms may require medical assessment, and prolonged or excessive use may cause changes in the body's salt and acid–base balance.
- Consider the sodium content: Tell your doctor before taking Sodium Bicarbonate if you follow a low-salt diet or have high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney problems, or swelling caused by fluid retention. Sodium bicarbonate may increase the amount of sodium in your body and worsen these conditions.
- Check before taking other medicines: Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines, herbal products, and supplements you use and share it with your doctor or pharmacist. Sodium Bicarbonate may affect how some medicines are absorbed or removed from the body.
- Seek medical attention for warning signs: Stop self-treatment and seek immediate medical advice if you develop severe or persistent stomach pain, black, tar-like stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, difficulty breathing, confusion, or marked swelling. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical assessment.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Sodium Bicarbonate or require changes to the timing of your doses:
- Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines: Sodium bicarbonate may affect the absorption of some antibiotics, including tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, and antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole by changing stomach acidity. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the doses need to be separated and how long the interval should be.
- Amphetamines and quinidine: By making the urine less acidic, sodium bicarbonate may slow the removal of these medicines from the body and increase the risk of side effects.
- Aspirin and other salicylates: Sodium bicarbonate may increase the removal of salicylates from the body and alter their effects. Do not change how you take these medicines without consulting your doctor.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Sodium Bicarbonate. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorSodium Bicarbonate belongs to pregnancy category C. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Sodium Bicarbonate.
Driving
safe if prescribedSodium Bicarbonate is unlikely to affect your ability to drive and handle machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorDose adjustment may be needed. Consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
consult your doctorSodium Bicarbonate should not be given to children unless prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Watch your salt intake: Because Sodium Bicarbonate contains a high amount of sodium, try to limit high-sodium foods like processed meats, canned soups, and salty snacks to prevent high blood pressure.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys balance acid levels and flush out toxins safely.
- Avoid trigger foods: Limit your intake of spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods, as well as caffeine and chocolate, which can naturally trigger acid reflux.
- Eat smaller, frequent meals: Consuming smaller portions helps prevent your stomach from stretching too much, reducing the risk of acid creeping up into your oesophagus.
- Stay upright after eating: Avoid lying down for at least 2 to 3 hours after a meal to keep stomach acid where it belongs.
Special Advise
- Check with your doctor before taking Sodium Bicarbonate if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.
- Regular monitoring of blood acid levels during the course of treatment with Sodium Bicarbonate is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acidity: The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, due to excess acid production, the mucous layer gets eroded, which leads to complications like acidity, heartburn, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis. Acidity occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
FAQs
Sodium Bicarbonate is an antacid that helps neutralize stomach acid during indigestion and heartburn. Sodium Bicarbonate may also be prescribed to make the blood or urine less acidic in certain conditions.
Sodium Bicarbonate has alkaline pH, which helps in neutralising the acidic pH in the stomach. Thereby, Sodium Bicarbonate helps to provide relief from acidity and heartburn.
Do not take Sodium Bicarbonate for longer than two weeks unless prescribed by the doctor. If there is no symptomatic improvement despite using Sodium Bicarbonate for 1-2 weeks, consult your doctor.
Sodium Bicarbonate can be taken with other medicines if prescribed by the doctor. However, you are advised to maintain a gap of 2 hours between Sodium Bicarbonate and other medicines.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Sodium Bicarbonate. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
If you have kidney problems, please consult your doctor before taking Sodium Bicarbonate as it may possibly affect kidney function.
Sodium Bicarbonate may cause side effects such as increased thirst, stomach cramps, gas, dry mouth and urinating more than usual. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Store Sodium Bicarbonate at room temperature. Protect from light. Keep it out of reach of children.
Sodium Bicarbonate overdose may lead to hyperventilation (over breathing), twitching, very sensitive to light stimuli and high potassium levels in the blood which may cause dizziness or tiredness. Therefore, if you suspect you have taken overdose of Sodium Bicarbonate, please seek medical help immediately.
Pregnant women are recommended to consult their doctor before using Sodium Bicarbonate or any antacid, as it may worsen high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Sodium Bicarbonate is highly effective for occasional heartburn, but it should not be used as a daily long-term solution. Using it continuously for more than two weeks can lead to an imbalance in your body's natural chemicals. If your heartburn is frequent or severe, talk to your doctor.
Yes, Sodium Bicarbonate contains a significant amount of sodium. If you are on a strict low-salt diet for high blood pressure, heart issues, or kidney disease, this medicine may not be suitable for you. Talk to your doctor.
You can take Sodium Bicarbonate with or without food, but you should avoid taking it when your stomach is extremely full to prevent sudden gas and bloating. For personalised advice, talk to your doctor.
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