Sodium bicarbonate has a multidirectional application in medicine. The feature of this compound is used, which is dissociation in an aqueous medium into sodium ion and bicarbonate ion. The latter is used by the bicarbonate buffer in the body. It is the most important extracellular buffer system in humans. What is the effect of sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate - action
As already mentioned, the sodium bicarbonate molecule decomposes into sodium ion and bicarbonate ion under certain conditions. The bicarbonate ion is the body's alkaline reserve.
By increasing the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood, its pH increases. The bicarbonate ion binds the excess of hydrogen ions in the blood that are responsible for the acidification of the body. By doing so, sodium bicarbonate reduces the symptoms of acidosis in the patient.
Sodium bicarbonate is also used to alkalize urine. Increased excretion of free bicarbonate ions in the urine increases its pH. With an alkaline pH, the dissolution of kidney stones increases.
In the stomach, sodium bicarbonate neutralizes excessive acid secretion. This compound brings relief to patients suffering from heartburn or gastric hyperacidity, but it only treats the symptoms of the disease, not their cause, so it should be used in therapy as a reliever, not as a base drug.
Sodium bicarbonate - indications
Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis which may be caused by severe renal impairment, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure due to severe dehydration or shock, cardiac arrest, and lactic acidosis.
Sodium bicarbonate may be prescribed by a doctor when treating alcoholism.
The intake of sodium bicarbonate is also recommended during severe diarrhea, during which there is often an excessive loss of bicarbonate ions. Usually, in such a situation, this substance is part of a combined preparation which includes other electrolytes.
Another indication for the administration of bicarbonate is poisoning with certain compounds such as: barbiturates (where separation of the barbiturate complex with blood proteins is desired), salicylates.
Sodium bicarbonate is used in sulfonamide nephrosis.
Bicarbonate is used in the symptomatic treatment of heartburn, indigestion, and gastric hyperacidity. Usually it is a component of a combined preparation in which it acts as an alkalizing acid gastric juice.
On the Polish market we can also find bicarbonate in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution. This form, intended for external use, is recommended for washing the skin, rinsing the mucous membranes and soaking compresses. This compound has a mild anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and mucous membranes.
Sodium bicarbonate can also be purchased in the pharmacy in the form of rectal effervescent suppositories. These are suppositories that are intended for patients with constipation. These suppositories help to unblock the feces accumulated in the anal bubble, which causes suffering and the feeling of pressure in the patient. After dissolving in the rectum, these suppositories emit gas which increases the pressure on the rectal wall.
This stimulates perist altic movements and facilitates bowel movements. As these suppositories work locally, unlike most preparations with sodium bicarbonate, they can be used by pregnant women without consulting a doctor.
Sodium bicarbonate is also given to treat wet cough. This relationship is expectorant. It increases the fluidity of secretions and facilitates expectoration. This is one of the methods recommended for wet coughing in pregnant women.
Sodium bicarbonate - dosage
Powder for solution for external use:dissolve 5 to 20 g of sodium bicarbonate in 0.5 l of water. Use the solution to wash the skin.
In the form of injection or infusionsodium bicarbonate solution is usually mixed with 5% glucose in a 1: 1 ratio.
The dose of such a preparation is determined by the physician on the basis of the patient's condition, acid-base balance and body weight. This form of the drug is usually administered in inpatient treatment and during rescue operations by paramedics.
As an ingredient in diarrhea electrolytes, it is usually a powder that needs to be dissolved in water.Patient should find dosing instructions on the product packaging.
In the form of combined preparations for the treatment of heartburn, it is usually taken from 1 to 4 times a day depending on the severity of symptoms and the form of the preparation. Please read the leaflet attached to the preparation and do not exceed the recommended doses.
Sodium bicarbonate - contraindications
The contraindication to the use of sodium bicarbonate is:
- hypersensitivity tosubstance: sodium bicarbonate
- metabolic alkalosis, respiratory alkalosis, hypoventilation, hypernatremia and conditions in which sodium intake is contraindicated, e.g. edema, hypertensive disease, eclampsia, renal failure
- hypokalemia where tetany may be triggered by alkalosis
- excessive chloride loss caused by e.g. vomiting
- in patients at risk of developing diuretic-induced alkalosis
Sodium bicarbonate - precautions
Before taking a medicine or a supplement containing sodium bicarbonate, inform your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you are taking, in particular:
- other alkalizing drugs,
- aspirin or its derivatives,
- benzodiazepines,
- iron,
- ketoconazole,
- lithium-containing drugs,
- methotrexate,
- antibiotics, e.g. tetracyclines.
Caution should be exercised in treating people who may develop hypokalaemia.
If you are on a low sodium diet as instructed by your doctor, consult your doctor before taking sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium bicarbonate - side effects
You should inform your doctor if the following symptoms persist:
- increased thirst,
- stomach cramps,
- gases.
If these symptoms occur, stop taking the drug immediately and call a doctor:
- headache,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- loss of appetite,
- weakness,
- pollakiuria,
- slow breathing,
- swelling of the feet or lower legs,
- black stool with blood,
- blood in urine.
Side effects also include hypokalaemia, ulceration and tissue necrosis (following incorrect intravenous injection).
Sodium bicarbonate, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Sodium bicarbonate has not been thoroughly tested in pregnant and lactating women. The FDA has classified this compound under safety category C for pregnant women.
Under no circumstances should a pregnant or lactating woman reach for bicarbonate preparations on her own. Consult with your physician to determine the degree of benefit to risk of sodium bicarbonate therapy.