Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Sodium Bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) is a common antacid that treats heartburn caused by too much acid in the stomach. It is a crystalline, white powder with a slightly salty, alkaline taste readily available in the form of a tablet and as an effervescent powder. Sodium Bicarbonate is a good electrolyte replenisher and a pH buffering agent.

What are the uses of Sodium Bicarbonate?

  • Sodium Bicarbonate works as an antacid, easing stomach and digestive troubles.
  • It gives immediate relief from acid reflux disease and heartburn.
  • Promotes alkaline pH balance in the body.
  • Many athletes and gym-goers use it to enhance athletic activities.
  • Used to treat the symptoms of urinary tract infections, stomach ulcers, metabolic acidosis, and gastric hyperacidity.

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    What are the side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate?

    The side effects occur very rarely when this medicine is taken in a recommended way. The side effects may be more likely to occur when taken in large doses or for long.

    The common side effects are:

    • Frequent headaches.
    • Dry mouth.
    • Increased thirst.
    • Severe stomach pain.
    • Swelling of feet and lower legs.
    • Belching, flatulence and severe gastric distension.
    • Frequent urge to urinate.
    • Disturbed mental state.
    • Nausea or vomiting (uncontrolled).
    • Slow breathing or any other breathing difficulties.

    If any of the side effects mentioned above occur while taking Sodium Bicarbonate, you must check with your doctor immediately.

    What is Sodium Bicarbonate

    Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate

    Side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Bicarbonate

    The common name of Sodium Bicarbonate is baking soda. It is also called bicarbonate of soda, sodium acid carbonate, or sometimes sodium hydrogen carbonate.

    Yes, Sodium Bicarbonate is also called baking soda. It is widely used in the baking industry. When heated, it releases carbon dioxide gas which causes the dough to rise in bread and cookies. It has a leavening property (expansion of dough and batter).

    The chemical formula of Sodium Bicarbonate is NaHCO3. The chemical composition consists of one sodium atom, one Hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms.

    No, sodium carbonate is not safe for long-term use. Please do not use it continuously for more than two weeks. Baking soda can reduce the level of vitamins and minerals in your body, especially vitamin B. They may also cause diarrhoea if taken for long-term use.

    Sodium Bicarbonate is a compound found throughout nature in the ocean, soil, food, and even our bodies. But it is more frequently manufactured by the reaction of carbon dioxide and soda ash (a naturally occurring mineral).

    It is a fact that Sodium Bicarbonate does not raise blood pressure as common table salt does. But on long-term use, it might increase blood pressure. So people who already have high blood pressure should try to avoid the use of Sodium Bicarbonate.

    Sodium Bicarbonate comes as oral tablets, powders, capsules, and IV injection and IV infusion in hospitals. Sodium Bicarbonate Powder: Do not consume the powder until it is completely dissolved. Always dissolve it in a glass of water before intake. Sodium Bicarbonate tablets: Some tablets should be dissolved in a glass of water before swallowing. Other tablets may be swallowed whole. Always follow the directions on the package label or as instructed by your physician.

    Washing the organic layer with Sodium Bicarbonate will help remove the traces of acidic components and neutralise the organic layer. It also helps to decrease the solubility of the organic layer with the aqueous layer so that the organic layer can be separated more easily.

    No, it is an alkaline substance. The pH value of a substance is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. Sodium Bicarbonate has a pH of 9, so it is weakly alkaline. It acts as an antacid and can quickly neutralize the stomach acids and temporarily relieves heartburn caused by acid reflux.

    No, Sodium Bicarbonate is generally safe in the human body when taken in the recommended dose. However, it can cause significant toxicity in long-term use, such as metabolic alkalosis, hypoxia, hypokalemia, etc. Do not use Sodium Bicarbonate without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding a baby.