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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Sodium bicarbonate

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Sodium bicarbonate

  • Sodium bicarbonate is used to neutralise acid in the body.
  • Side-effects can include belching and flatulence.

About sodium bicarbonate

Type of medicineAlkalinising agent
Used forUrinary-tract disorders
Alkalinisation of urine
Metabolic acidosis
Softening of ear wax (ear drops)
Available asCapsules & tablets, ear drops, injection, powder

Sodium bicarbonate works by correcting the acid-alkaline balance in the body and can be used to relieve discomfort in mild urinary tract infections such as cystitis.

Sodium bicarbonate is also an ingredient of a number of antacid preparations and works by neutralising gastric acid.

Before taking sodium bicarbonate

Before taking sodium bicarbonate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from heart disease.
  • If you are on a salt restricted diet.
  • If you suffer with breathing problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take sodium bicarbonate

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you are taking the powder, dissolve the dose in water before swallowing.
  • If you are taking sodium bicarbonate for urinary discomfort and your symptoms have not improved within 2 or 3 days, consult a doctor.
  • If you are using sodium bicarbonate ear drops to soften ear wax, use several drops twice daily into the affected ear for several days before syringing. Allow the drops to stay in for 5-10 minutes by lying with the affected ear upwards.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can sodium bicarbonate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Short-term use: belching, flatulence, stomach cramps or breathlessness.

Longer-term use: high blood pressure, swelling of ankles and feet.

Ear drops: dryness inside the ear.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sodium bicarbonate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID: 3413DocRef: dils2488Last Reviewed: 9 Jun 2008Version: 23
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