Sodium Bicarbonate Injection

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WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis (when too much acid builds up in your body fluids). Sodium bicarbonate is in a class of medications called alkalinizing agents. It works by providing bicarbonate to balance the effects of acidosis in the body.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Sodium bicarbonate injection comes as a solution (liquid), or can be further diluted in fluid, to be given into a vein by a healthcare provider. It is usually given in an amount depending on your condition.

Your doctor will monitor bicarbonate levels in your blood and and increase or decrease your dose as needed.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving sodium bicarbonate,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any otherdrugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and whatsymptoms you had.

• some medications should not be used with sodium bicarbonate. Make sure you have discussed anymedications you are currently taking or plan to take before receiving sodium bicarbonate with your doctor or pharmacist.

• tell your doctor if you have been vomiting or if you are taking diuretic medications (water pills). Your doctor may decide not to give you sodium bicarbonate.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had swelling of the hands, arms, legs and feet; heart failure; or kidney disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Sodium bicarbonate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• vomiting, diarrhea, thirsty

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms telll your doctor immediately:

• muscular twitchings or movements that you can not control, decreased urination, irritability, confusion, seizures
• redness, swelling, or pain at the site of injection

Sodium bicarbonate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to sodium bicarbonate.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: March 15, 2025.