How does it work?

Sodium bicarbonate has several different uses. Sodium bicarbonate neutralises acid in the stomach. This decreases the acidity in the stomach giving relief from occasional episodes of indigestion and heartburn. It may also relieve discomfort caused by peptic (gastric and duodenal) ulcers. Sodium bicarbonate is also used in a serious condition called metabolic acidosis. This is when the acidity of blood and tissues is abnormally high. It arises when the body's normal acid balancing mechanisms fail, for example, in severe kidney disease. It may also be used to correct severe respiratory acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate neutralises the excess acid.

What is it used for?

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

Severe respiratory acidosis

Upset stomach characterised by stomach pain and burning, nausea and excess gas (dyspepsia)

Warning!

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine is not to be used for long periods of time, as it may cause more adverse effects.

Use with caution in

Congestive heart failure

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

High blood pressure

Pregnancy

Sodium restricted diets

Not to be used in

No known conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), resulting in swelling (oedema)

Accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)

Alkaline body fluids and tissues (alkalosis)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Abdominal pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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