Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate is a medicine that helps eliminate acid-dependent pathologies. It has antacid properties and promotes expectoration processes.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Indications Sodium bicarbonate

It is used to eliminate diseases that are accompanied by an increase in the pH level of gastric juice, ulcers or metabolic acidosis (this includes acidosis that develops after surgery or during infection, diabetes or poisoning).

The drug is also used to treat inflammatory processes of an ophthalmological nature and inflammation in the mucous membranes of the mouth and upper respiratory system.

As a medicinal product, baking soda is used to thin bronchial secretions and earwax, alkalize urine, and also to reduce discomfort due to mild infections in the urinary system and tubular renal acidosis.

The medicine is also used in treatment during which urate and cystine kidney stones are removed.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Release form

It is produced in several dosage forms: lyophilisate for infusion, powder from which a solution for oral and local use is made, infusion solution, tablets and rectal suppositories.

Lyophilisate for infusions is available in 50 g sachets.

Powder for solution for internal and local use is contained in sachets of 10, 25 and 50 g.

The 4% infusion solution is contained in disposable containers of 2 or 5 ml, as well as in containers of 100 or 250 ml, and in bottles of 100, 200 or 400 ml.

The tablets are produced in volumes of 0.3 or 0.5 g.

Rectal suppositories with a volume of 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 g are produced in 10 pieces per pack.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Pharmacodynamics

The drug helps to stabilize disturbed water-electrolyte and acid-base balances.

During dissociation of the medicinal component, the bicarbonate anion element is released. This element synthesizes hydrogen ions, which leads to the formation of carboxylic acid, which subsequently disintegrates into water together with carbon dioxide, which is released during respiration. As a result, there is a change in alkaline indicators and an increase in the buffer capacity of the blood.

Sodium bicarbonate increases the values of osmotic diuresis, as well as the excretion of sodium and chloride ions. In addition, it reduces the pH of urine and prevents the possibility of uric acid sedimentation inside the urinary system.

The bicarbonate anion is not able to penetrate into the intracellular environment.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Dosing and administration

How to use the medicine in powder form.

Lyophilisate is used to make medicinal solutions that are used for inhalations, washes, and rinses.

For the treatment of rhinitis, stomatitis with laryngitis, as well as other pathologies in the nose, mouth and throat, a solution with a concentration of 0.5-2% is used.

To wash the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory system or the surface of the skin in case of damage by irritating or toxic (chlorine and organophosphorus) elements or acids, it is necessary to use a 2% solution.

How to use medicinal solution for intravenous infusions.

The infusion solution must be administered while monitoring the alkaline blood levels. In this case, the medicine is administered to adults by drip – intravenous method or rectally; for children, intravenous infusions should be performed.

The solution can be administered either diluted or undiluted. A 5% glucose solution is used as a solvent (in a 1:1 ratio).

The medicine must be administered at a rate of 60 drops/minute. No more than 200 ml of solution can be administered per day. The number of infusions is calculated depending on the acid-base balance level.

Dosages for newborns are 4-5 ml/kg, and for older children – within 5-7 ml/kg.

The need for repeated infusion is determined by the level of acid-base balance.

Taking medication in tablet form.

Oral administration is carried out several times a day. The size of a single adult portion varies within 0.5-1 g, and for children - within 0.1-0.75 g (taking into account the medicinal indications and the person's age).

Use Sodium bicarbonate during pregnancy

There is no information about the impossibility of using soda by pregnant and lactating women, but during these periods it is recommended to use the medicine with caution, under the supervision of a doctor.

There is no data on whether the substance passes into breast milk. The FDA classification places it in category C.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• the presence of increased sensitivity to elements of the drug;
• conditions against which alkalosis is observed.

At the same time, it is forbidden to prescribe the drug to people with hypochloremia or hypocalcemia. At the first violation, the drug can cause a prolonged weakening of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as vomiting, due to which a significant loss of chloride ions by the body will occur with the development of a severe form of alkalosis.

Use of the drug in hypocalcemia can cause tetanic seizures and increase the likelihood of developing alkalosis.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Side effects Sodium bicarbonate

With prolonged use of the drug, alkalosis begins (blood pH increases), the clinical symptoms of which include:

• vomiting with nausea;
• decreased appetite (may lead to complete loss of appetite);
• abdominal pain;
• tetanic seizures (at a particularly severe stage of the disorder);
• increase in blood pressure values.

The use of rectal suppositories can cause a laxative effect - the urge to defecate, bloating, rumbling in the stomach and diarrhea appear.

[ 16 ]

Overdose

In case of intoxication, the victim may develop attacks of tetanic seizures or hyperalkalosis.

If the patient has hyperalkalosis, the infusion of the solution must be stopped. If there is a risk of tetany, the victim is given calcium gluconate intravenously (approximately 1-3 g).

[ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ], [ 22 ]

Interactions with other drugs

Due to the action of sodium bicarbonate, the pH values of urine increase, resulting in the following effects:

• amphetamine excretion decreases;
• the toxicity of methotrexate is reduced and the rate of its excretion is increased;
• There is a delay in the excretion of ephedrine from the body, which increases the likelihood of negative effects associated with the use of this substance: increased anxiety, sleep problems, tachycardia and tremor.

When the drug is taken together with maintenance doses of lithium carbonate, the lithium level decreases – this is caused by the effect of sodium ions.

The drug reduces the absorption of tetracyclines when these drugs are taken orally in combination.

Drip intravenous infusion of the drug may potentiate the hypotensive properties of the substance reserpine.

The solution reacts with acids (niacin, ascorbic acid, etc.), alkaloids (such as atropine with caffeine, apomorphine with theobromine, and papaverine), cardiac glycosides, and salts of various substances (such as magnesium with calcium and heavy metals (zinc with copper and iron)). As a result, sedimentation or hydrolysis of organic compounds is observed. Because of this, the above-described preparations are prohibited from being dissolved in sodium bicarbonate.

It is prohibited to mix the medicine with any solutions containing phosphorus.

[ 23 ]

Storage conditions

Sodium bicarbonate can be stored under standard conditions for medicines. The temperature should be within 15-30°C.

[ 24 ], [ 25 ], [ 26 ]

Special instructions

Reviews

Sodium bicarbonate is considered a very effective folk remedy that helps get rid of many disorders and diseases. Reviews show that the medicine is often used to eliminate heartburn and treat dry cough. Also, a soda solution is often used to rinse the mouth for toothache. Some patients even use the solution to treat seasickness.

In addition, the drug is very often used as a means for various cosmetic procedures. It is used as a substance that helps treat caries, whiten teeth, cleanse the skin on the face, and also as a means for hair and weight loss. Some people use the substance to detect pregnancy.

[ 27 ], [ 28 ]

Shelf life

Sodium bicarbonate is allowed to be used for a period of 2 years from the date of release of the drug.

[ 29 ], [ 30 ]