Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate, also known and sold under the trade name of Brioschi and Neut, is a quick acting antacid, commonly used in the treatment of heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. It works by neutralizing the stomach acids to reduce hyperacidity. 

Many forms of sodium bicarbonate can be purchased without prescription. 

Sodium Bicarbonate is available in tablets, capsules, granules, liquid solution, or powder.

Even though sodium bicarbonate can be used without prescription, you must consider the following first before using it.

Allergies

Do not use Sodium Bicarbonate if you are allergic to it or to baking soda (which itself, is pure sodium bicarbonate).

Health conditions

If you are taking Sodium Bicarbonate to relieve a medical condition, it is best to consult a doctor. Use Sodium Bicarbonate only with doctor’s supervision if you have the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver problems
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• If you are prescribed to stick to a low-salt diet

Pregnancy

Contrary to what others say, Sodium Bicarbonate is not safe to use during pregnancy. Sodium Bicarbonate is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it may cause harm to the unborn baby when given to pregnant patients. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor first before taking Sodium Bicarbonate.

Breastfeeding

There is no evidence stating that Sodium Bicarbonate is safe to give to nursing mothers. If you are breastfeeding, call the doctor first before using Sodium Bicarbonate.

Use on children

Do not give Sodium Bicarbonate to children without calling the doctor first.

Elderly

The elderly may be at risk of undesirable symptoms of Sodium Bicarbonate, so only give it to them with doctor’s supervision.

Drug interactions

If you are taking other medicines, you must consult your doctor first before taking Sodium Bicarbonate. Since Sodium Bicarbonate can reduce acidity of the stomach, it may reduce absorption of some medicines. 

Follow instructions on the label or in the doctor’s prescription in taking Sodium Bicarbonate. When taking Sodium Bicarbonate as a prescription, the doctor usually gives specific instructions in taking it. Make sure to follow these instructions for the best effect.

Sodium Bicarbonate granules or powders should be mixed with water, while tablets must be swallowed whole. To avoid stomach upset, take oral Sodium Bicarbonate formulations 2 hours after a meal.

If you missed a dose of Sodium Bicarbonate, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original schedule.

If you took too much Sodium Bicarbonate, call the doctor right away.

Store Sodium Bicarbonate at room temperature away from heat and moisture. 

If you are taking Sodium Bicarbonate, make sure to tell it to your doctor before taking other medicines. 

Sodium Bicarbonate may cause serious side effects that require medical attention. Call the doctor if you experienced any of the following symptoms:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the nose, tongue, lips, or throat
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Severe stomach tenderness or pain

Sodium Bicarbonate can cause harmless but common side effects such as:

• Dryness of the mouth
• Increased thirst
• Increased amount of urine