Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the stomach acid. It is used to provide relief in dyspepsia (acid indigestion), heartburn (food or acid from your stomach backs up into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste) and flatulence (stomach wind).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Sodium bicarbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take 1 to 3 hours after meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Sodium bicarbonate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Sodium bicarbonate is available as powder, tablets and solution.
If you have been given powder, measure your dose then mix with adequate amount of water and dissolve completely before taking your dose.
If you have been given the solution, use the oral syringe to measure out your dose. Refer to the package insert for directions on how the oral syringe should be used.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypernatremia (high sodium level in the blood)
- hypocalcaemia (low calcium level in the blood)
- hypochlorhydria (low chloride level in the blood)
- pulmonary oedema (excess fluids in the lungs)
- alkalosis (body fluids and tissues are unusually alkaline)
as Sodium bicarbonate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- low salt (sodium) diet
- swelling in your body
- heart disease
- stomach ulcer
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is not advisable to take Sodium bicarbonate for long term treatment of stomach acidity.
Sodium bicarbonate may cause any of the following side effects: stomach cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness and muscle spasms and stomach wind
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. captopril
- antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, rifampicin
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- blood thing medicine e.g. aspirin, dipyridamole
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures))
- penicillamine (medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
- quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- ephedrine (medicine for breathing problems)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sodium bicarbonate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.