Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis (the correction of the body's acid-alkaline balance), which can occur in conditions such as severe kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory insufficiency due to shock or severe dehydration, extracorporeal blood circulation, cardiac arrest, and drug overdoses such as barbiturates (where dissociation of the barbiturate-protein complex is desired), salicylate poisoning, methyl alcohol poisoning, and haemolytic reactions.

It is used to manage indigestion and severe diarrhoea, which is often accompanied by a significant loss of bicarbonate. It is used to treat patients who have overused tricyclic antidepressants. It will be used only after the other resuscitation methods. It is used to soften and remove hardened wax buildup in the ear canal. 

Therapeutic Category

Sodium Bicarbonate: Alkalising agents

How Sodium Bicarbonate works

Sodium Bicarbonate acts as an alkalizing agent by increasing plasma bicarbonate concentration, which raises the pH of urine and blood. As a result, it prevents metabolic acidosis (increased production of acid in the body). It also works by neutralising the excessive production of stomach acid and increasing the pH value of stomach fluids. Thus, it relieves acidity symptoms.

Sodium Bicarbonate works by softening hardened earwax from the ear canal, thereby helping in its easy removal. As a result, it relieves the symptoms such as discomfort and fullness in the ear, pain, dizziness, and impaired hearing etc.

Common side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate

• rebound hyperacidity
• cellulitis, tissue necrosis
• ulceration, venous irritation
• tetany (involuntary muscle cramps)
• edema (swelling of body parts)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of low potassium levels such as twitching, muscle weakness, "pins and needles" in the hands or feet, agitation, or an irregular heartbeat
• If you experience signs of low blood sugar levels and a high sodium level in the blood can make you feel hunger, thirsty, anxious, confused, extremely irritated, shaky, or sweaty

Health Tips for Sodium Bicarbonate

• Take this medicine in empty stomach for maximum effectiveness.