Sodium Bicarbonate
Introduction To Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate is used in the treatment of Indigestion. It is an antacid that is used to relieve acid indigestion, heartburn, and gas.
Sodium Bicarbonate relieves irritation by producing carbon dioxide which neutralizes the acid present in the stomach. It also increases the pH of blood and urine, thereby correcting acid indigestion, heartburn. Additionally, it helps in the removal of toxic substances from the body in certain types of poisoning.
Sodium Bicarbonate may be taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. Excessive intake may cause electrolyte imbalance leading to unwanted side effects such as stomach cramps and flatulence. Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking Sodium Bicarbonate if you are suffering from stomach and kidney disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate
- Treatment of Indigestion
Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate
Treatment of Indigestion
Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort or a burning sensation in the upper
part of your stomach. It also causes stomach pain and a feeling of fullness.
Sodium Bicarbonate treats indigestion and thus gives relief from its symptoms by
reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Sodium Bicarbonate also gives relief from
excess gas by breaking trapped gas and allows its easy passage. Take
Sodium Bicarbonate as prescribed by the doctor. Think about what foods trigger
indigestion and try to avoid them; eat smaller, more frequent meals; try to
lose weight if you are overweight, and try to find ways to relax. Avoid eating
within 3-4 hours of going to bed.
Side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Ranraft
- Stomach cramp
- Flatulence
How to use Sodium Bicarbonate
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Sodium Bicarbonate may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Sodium Bicarbonate works
Sodium Bicarbonate is an alkalizer. It works by increasing the pH of blood and urine, thereby correcting metabolic acidosis (high acid levels in the body). It also speeds up the removal of toxic substances from the body in certain types of poisoning. In case of excessive fluid loss (such as in diarrhea), it works by replenishing salt and electrolyte levels.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Sodium Bicarbonate if I’m pregnant?
Sodium Bicarbonate may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Sodium Bicarbonate if I’m breastfeeding?
Sodium Bicarbonate is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Sodium Bicarbonate safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Sodium Bicarbonate.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium Bicarbonate does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Sodium Bicarbonate if I have/had kidney diseases?
Sodium Bicarbonate should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Sodium Bicarbonate may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Sodium Bicarbonate if I have/had liver diseases?
Sodium Bicarbonate should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sodium Bicarbonate may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Sodium Bicarbonate tablet used for?
How does it work? Sodium Bicarbonate is an antacid used to relieve acid indigestion, heartburn, and gas. When taken orally, it neutralizes the acid present in the stomach by producing carbon dioxide which results in reduction of irritation in stomach and intestine.
Q. Is Sodium Bicarbonate harmful?
Sodium Bicarbonate is safe if used as a medication and as prescribed by the doctor. However, excess of Sodium Bicarbonate can disturb the fine balance of electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, carbonate, etc.) that is needed by the body to function properly. As a result, it can cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, to avoid such disturbances, Sodium Bicarbonate is usually prescribed for maximum of 2 weeks when taken orally as taking it in excess can cause transient alkalosis, which can be harmful.
Q. What if I take excess of Sodium Bicarbonate?
Excess of Sodium Bicarbonate causes alkalosis (excessive blood alkalinity) which can be observed as mood changes, tiredness, slow breathing, muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. Muscle hypertonicity, twitching and tetany may develop, especially in patients with low levels of calcium in blood.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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