What is Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3 is, commonly known as baking soda or soda bicarbonate. It is a salt that consists of a cation of sodium and a bicarbonate anion. Sodium bicarbonate is a crystalline white solid that sometimes appears as a fine powder. It is a chemical compound and the formula of Sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3.
What are the Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate reduces stomach acid and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach as an antacid. It acts very fast and should be used only for immediate relief. For long-term stomach acid issues (such as peptic ulcer disease, GERD), consult your doctor for other drugs.
In baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is the active ingredient.
Athletic Productivity
Research suggests that taking sodium bicarbonate orally 1-2 hours before short-term, high-intensity exercise increases strength in trained men during exercise. It also improves efficiency up to 3 hours before short-term, high-intensity exercise. However, it does not enhance results in females or non-athletes, or during exercises lasting longer than 10 minutes.
Harm to the Kidney Caused by Contrasting Dyes (Contrast-induced Nephropathy)
Some evidence suggests that administering sodium bicarbonate intravenously (by IV) before using contrast dyes during scans can reduce the risk of kidney damage. However, it does not perform better than other alternatives.
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Get A Second OpinionHow Does it Work?
Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in liquids, including blood and urine. This degradation buffers the blood and makes it less acidic. It helps treat conditions associated with high acidity in body fluids, such as indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
How to Use Bicarbonate with Sodium
- Bicarbonate with sodium, commonly known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, is a versatile substance with various uses, from cooking and cleaning to personal care and medicinal purposes.
- When used by mouth, bicarbonate with sodium can offer several benefits, but it's essential to use it safely and effectively to avoid any adverse effects. Here's a guide on how to use bicarbonate with sodium by mouth.
- Know the Purpose : Before using bicarbonate with sodium orally, understand the purpose. It's often used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid. Additionally, it can be used to alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections and to balance pH levels in the body.
- Choose the Right Form : Bicarbonate with sodium is available in various forms, including powder, tablets, and effervescent tablets. Choose the form that suits your needs and preferences. For example, powder can be easily mixed with water, while tablets provide convenient dosing.
- Follow Dosage Instructions : It's crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided on the product packaging or by your healthcare provider. Taking too much bicarbonate with sodium can lead to electrolyte imbalances and other health issues.
- Mix Properly : If using bicarbonate with sodium powder, mix it thoroughly with water according to the instructions. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved to ensure accurate dosing and effectiveness.
- Timing of Consumption : Take bicarbonate with sodium at the appropriate times. For heartburn and indigestion, it's typically taken after meals or when symptoms occur. Follow specific guidelines for other purposes, such as urinary tract infection relief.
- Be Mindful of Interactions : Bicarbonate with sodium may interact with certain medications or medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider before using it, especially if you're taking other medications or have underlying health issues.
- Monitor Side Effects : While bicarbonate with sodium is generally safe when used as directed, some individuals may experience side effects such as gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Stay Hydrated : Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential when using bicarbonate with sodium orally. Proper hydration helps prevent dehydration and supports the body's natural processes.
- Store Properly : Keep bicarbonate with sodium products stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Follow any specific storage instructions provided on the packaging.
- Dispose of Safely : Dispose of any unused or expired bicarbonate with sodium products properly according to local regulations. Avoid flushing them down the toilet or drain unless instructed otherwise.
What is the Recommended Dosage?
Scientific research has tested the following doses:
ADULT The adult - MOUTH BY:
For athletic performance: 100-400 mg/kg body weight 1-3 hours before exercise.
Fired, BY IV:
For kidney damage caused by contrast dyes (contrast-induced nephropathy) :Before and after cardiac angiography, A sodium bicarbonate solution is administered by a healthcare provider before and after cardiac angiography.
What complications can arise from overdose of Sodium bicarbonate?
If overdosed, this drug can be harmful. Extreme signs such as passing out or respiratory problems can occur.
What should one do If they Miss a dose?
If you are using this product on a daily basis and skip a dose, use it as soon as you recall it. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
What are the Side Effects of Sodium bicarbonate?
If you experience any of the following serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
- Pain
- Swelling of nose
- Selling of face
- Swelling of throat
- Skin burning sensation
- Skin issues
- Rash or itchiness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Rash
- Itching
- Decrease in blood
- Muscle pain
- Allergic reactions
- Cramps
- Slow wound healing
- Bleeding
- Skin thinning
- Mood changes
- Stomach pain
- Intestinal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Infants/Kids: Sodium bicarbonate is probably safe if used intravenously in infants and children under proper medical supervision. However, it is likely dangerous when applied to the skin, as elevated sodium blood levels have been documented in children after use. There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of oral sodium bicarbonate in children, so caution is advised to prevent side effects.
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Sodium bicarbonate should be avoided by individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis, as it can raise blood acid levels.
- Swelling (Edema): Due to its sodium content, sodium bicarbonate should be used cautiously by individuals with conditions associated with fluid build-up, such as heart failure or liver disease.
- High Blood Calcium Levels: Sodium bicarbonate may interfere with bicarbonate excretion and increase the risk of complications such as milk-alkali syndrome in individuals with high blood calcium levels.
- High Blood Sodium Levels: Individuals with elevated blood sodium levels should avoid sodium bicarbonate, as it can further increase sodium levels.
- High Blood Pressure: Sodium bicarbonate may raise blood pressure and should be avoided by individuals with hypertension.
- Low Blood Potassium Levels: Sodium bicarbonate can reduce blood potassium levels and should be avoided by individuals with already low potassium levels.
- Iron Deficiency: Sodium bicarbonate can limit iron absorption and should be administered separately from iron supplements in individuals with iron deficiency.
What are the Precautions of Sodium bicarbonate?
What are the Interactions of Sodium bicarbonate?
- Drug interactions can affect the working of your drugs or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all potential drug interactions are included in this paper.
- Keep a list and share it with your doctor and pharmacist of all the medications you use (including prescription/nonprescription medicines and herbal products). Without your doctor's permission, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication.
- Some of the drugs that can interfere with this medicinal product include aspirin and other salicylates (such as salsalate), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), memantine, specially coated stomach-protection medicinal products (enteric coating).
- This medication can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of certain medicines, including ampicillin, atazanavir, certain azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), iron supplements, pazopanib, and sucralfate, among others, that need to work with stomach acid. Ask your doctor or
- how to treat this potential interaction before taking this drug.
- If your doctor has advised you to take aspirin at a low dose for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at doses of 81-325 milligrams per day), you can continue to take aspirin unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. For more info, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Note:
If taking large doses or using sodium bicarbonate for more than 2 weeks, medical testing may be necessary to monitor electrolyte levels and other parameters. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments as directed by your doctor.
How to Store Sodium bicarbonate?
Store sodium bicarbonate away from heat, light, and moisture at room temperature. Do not store it in the bathroom. Dispose of expired or unused medication properly, according to local regulations. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance on safe disposal methods.
Sodium bicarbonate Vs Sodium carbonate
| Sodium bicarbonate | Sodium carbonate |
|---|---|
| Baking soda is usually called sodium bicarbonate. | Sodium carbonate or washing soda is also referred to as soda ash. |
| The formula for sodium bicarbonate is given as NaHCo3. | With the chemical formula Na2Co3, sodium carbonate comes with it |
| With salt, acid, and hydrogen, sodium bicarbonate comes in | The composition of sodium carbonate consists of sodium and acid. |
| Sodium bicarbonate is typically monoprotic and has a weaker base. | Diprotic and a solid base compound is sodium carbonate. It transforms into sodium bicarbonate when treated with acid. It also acts as a strong electricity conductor. |
| As a cleaning or exfoliating agent, an odor neutralizer, and often as a temporary fire extinguisher, sodium bicarbonate is often used. | In neutralizing acidic solutions in different fields, sodium carbonate is widely used. |
| For body processes or responses, sodium carbonate is used. | In our body, sodium bicarbonate is present and is an essential ingredient. It helps to control and neutralize elevated blood levels of acidity. |
Citations
Clinical studySodium bicarbonate therapy in severe diabetic ketoacidosisSodium bicarbonate
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Stomach acid is reduced by sodium bicarbonate. In order to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach, it is used as an antacid. Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid that is very fast-acting. Only for immediate relief should it be used. Speak to your doctor about other drugs if you need to treat long-term stomach acid issues (such as peptic ulcer disease, GERD).
Although Sodium bicarbonate is generally not considered to be one of the most dangerous chemicals, exposure to large quantities of sodium bicarbonate can lead to some adverse health effects, such as coughing and sneezing if inhaled with a high concentration of dust. When large quantities have been consumed, gastrointestinal irritation may occur.
Adults and grown-ups - one to four times a day, 325 milligrams (mg) to 2 grams.Kids up to 6 years of age: The doctor must assess the dosage. Children between the ages of 6 and 12. The dosage is 520 mg.
