Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Sodium bicarbonate is a systemic alkalinizing agent. It increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, and raises blood pH, thereby reversing the clinical manifestations of acidosis. It can also be used to replenish electrolyte imbalance as a treatment adjunct for severe diarrhea where the loss of bicarbonate can be significant.
Intravenous sodium bicarbonate therapy increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, raises blood pH and reverses the clinical manifestations of acidosis.
| Trade Name | Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) |
| Generic | Sodium Bicarbonate |
| Sodium Bicarbonate Other Names | Baking soda, Bicarbonate of soda, Carbonic acid monosodium salt, NaHCO3, Natriumhydrogenkarbonat, Sodio bicarbonato, Sodium acid carbonate, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Sodium hydrogencarbonate |
| Type | |
| Formula | CHNaO3 |
| Weight | Average: 84.0066 Monoisotopic: 83.982338573 |
| Groups | Approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Intravenous fluid preparations, Urinary Alkalinizing Agent |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | Portugal |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Management of acidosis in cardiac arrest.
Management of metabolic acidosis in:
- Severe renal disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Circulatory insufficiency from shock or dehydration
- Severe primary lactic acidosis
Alkalinization of urine.
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acid indigestion, Barbiturate intoxication, Breast Cancer, Constipation, Dental Decay, Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gingival Bleeding, Heartburn, Helicobacter Infections, Hyperkalemia, Ischaemia, Metabolic Acidosis, Myocardial Infarction, Plaque, Dental, Pruritis of the skin, Skin Irritation, Upset stomach, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Abdominal bloating, Benign, active Gastric Ulcer, Methyl alcohol poisoning, Prophylaxis of Contrast-induced nephropathy, Salicylate poisoning, Severe Diarrhea, Swelling of the gums, Bowel preparation therapy
How Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) works
Sodium bicarbonate is a systemic alkalizer, which increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, and raises blood pH, thereby reversing the clinical manifestations of acidosis. It is also a urinary alkalizer, increasing the excretion of free bicarbonate ions in the urine, thus effectively raising the urinary pH. By maintaining an alkaline urine, the actual dissolution of uric acid stones may be accomplished. Sodium bicarbonate acts as an antacid and reacts chemically to neutralize or buffer existing quantities of stomach acid but has no direct effect on its output. This action results in increased pH value of stomach contents, thus providing relief of hyperacidity symptoms. [PharmGKB]
Dosage
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) dosage
Oral: The usual dose is 300 mg to 2 grams, 1 to 4 times daily.
Intravenous (Severe metabolic acidosis):
- Adult: By slow inj of a hypertonic solution of up to 8.4% (1000 mmol/L), or by continuous infusion of a weaker solution, usually 1.26% (150 mmol/L). For correction of acidosis during advanced cardiac life support procedures, 50 ml of an 8.4% solution may be given.
- Elderly: Dosage adjustments may be required.
Side Effects
This medication is generally well tolerated. However, high doses may cause headache, nausea or irritability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle weakness, slow reflexes, confusion, swelling of the feet or ankles, black tar-like stools, coffee-ground vomit. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precaution
Pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, any allergies.
Interaction
This medication has the potential to interact with many medications. Should not take any other medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking an antacid. Potentially hazardous interactions with Corticosteroids and Corticotropin, Alkalis, Calcium, Diuretics and Potassium.
Food Interaction
- Take with or without food. Many different products contain sodium bicarbonate; refer to the product monograph for more specific instruction.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Contraindication
This drug is contraindicated in hypoventilatory states, chloride depletion owing to continuous gastric fluid loss, metabolic and/or respiratory alkalosis, hypocalcemia and diuretics known to produce hypochloremic alkalosis.
Acute Overdose
If alkalosis results, the bicarbonate should be stopped and the patient managed according to the degree of alkalosis present. 0.9% sodium chloride injection intravenous may be given; potassium chloride also may be indicated if there is hypokalemia. Severe alkalosis may be accompanied by hyperirritability or tetany and these symptoms may be controlled by calcium gluconate. An acidifying agent such as ammonium chloride may also be indication in severe alkalosis.
Interaction with other Medicine
Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustments may be required.
Hepatic Impairment: Dosage adjustments may be required.
Storage Condition
Store in a cool & dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
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FAQ
What is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) used for?
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. Your doctor also may prescribe Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) to make your blood or urine less acidic in certain conditions. Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How safe is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) is likely safe when taken appropriately, short-term.
What does Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) do to the body?
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) also known as baking soda, is used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid.
What are the common side effects of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Common side effects of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) are include:
- Aggravated congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Swelling (edema)
- High blood sodium levels
- Low blood calcium levels
- Low blood potassium levels
- Muscle spasms (associated with low calcium levels)
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Belching
- Bloating
- Excess fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Hyperosmolality
- Intracranial acidosis
- Milk-alkali syndrome
When should I not take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Injection is contraindicated in patients with metabolic and respiratory alkalosis and in patients with hypocalcemia in which alkalosis may produce tetany.
Is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) good for kidneys?
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) makes the blood less acid, which slows the progression of kidney disease.
Does Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) cause high blood pressure?
The side effects of using Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) in excess can be related to salt retention, including raised blood pressure and swelling. This is why using it along with a natural mineral compound such as celtic sea salt of organically bound minerals could be important.
Is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) harmful to humans?
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) is generally not considered to be amongst the most harmful of chemicals to humans.
Can I take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) on empty stomach?
There are three popular methods that people use to incorporate Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) into their daily routines. The first involves diluting 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1–2 cups of water and drinking this concoction on an empty stomach whenever it's most convenient during the day.
How much Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) can I take daily?
Adults and teenagers 325 milligrams to 2 grams one to four times a day. Children up to 6 years of age Dose must be determined by your doctor. Children 6 to 12 years of age The dose is 520 mg. The dose may be repeated in thirty minutes.
Why do athletes take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) has been shown to improve muscular endurance and time to exhaustion, which can help improve athletic performance in interval training and high intensity exercise.
What is the indication of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you have high blood pressure.
Is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) safe during pregnancy?
It is not known whether Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) will harm an unborn baby. However, Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) can cause fluid to build up in your body, which may be dangerous during pregnancy. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
Is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) safe during breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) tablets are usually dissolved completely in water before swallowing. Follow al directions on the product label.
What happen If I missed a dose?
Since Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Do not take more of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) than recommended on the product label.
Can I take overdose of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
When someone takes too much of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) the body tries to correct the balance of salt by drawing water into the digestive system. This causes diarrhea and vomiting. If the body absorbs the sodium, it can cause: dehydration.
Is Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) bad for my heart?
Solutions of the Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) worsened heart and liver functions in patients.
Can I take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) long time?
Do not use Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. If Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) does not improve your symptoms, call your doctor.
How often can I take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
Take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) by mouth, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor.
What are the health benefits of Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?
People take Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate) by mouth for bowel cleansing, poor kidney function, indigestion, exercise performance, high potassium in the blood, reviving newborns, stomach ulcers, and urinary stones.
