Uses
- Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that forms sodium and bicarbonate in water, creating an alkaline solution.
- Its acid-neutralizing ability is utilized to treat conditions related to high acidity in bodily fluids, such as indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
- Commonly used for indigestion, sodium bicarbonate is also employed for stomach ulcers, athletic performance, kidney damage, dental plaque, tooth discoloration, and various conditions, though many of these uses lack strong scientific evidence.
Side effects
- When taken by mouth:
- Sodium bicarbonate is likely safe when used appropriately and short-term.
- Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US FDA.
- Very high doses of sodium bicarbonate are possibly unsafe.
- Taking undissolved sodium bicarbonate may be possibly unsafe, leading to stomach rupture and serious changes in electrolyte levels.
- When applied to the skin:
- Insufficient reliable information to determine the safety of using sodium bicarbonate or its potential side effects.
Precautions
- When taken by mouth:
- Likely safe when used appropriately and short-term.
- Over-the-counter antacid products with sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US FDA.
- Very high doses are possibly unsafe and not fully dissolved sodium bicarbonate may be unsafe.
- Possible risks include stomach rupture and serious electrolyte level changes.
- When applied to the skin:
- Insufficient reliable information on safety and potential side effects.
- Pregnancy:
- Possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy.
- Concerns include increased risk of water retention or pH imbalances in tissues.
- Breast-feeding:
- Insufficient reliable information; avoid use.
- Children:
- Insufficient reliable information; avoid oral use.
- Possibly unsafe when applied to the skin, with reports of elevated sodium levels in children.
- Burns:
- Applying to burns might increase skin thickness.
- Sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest):
- Doesn’t seem helpful; may reduce survival or slow recovery.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA):
- Increases blood acids (ketones) associated with DKA; should not be used.
- Swelling (edema):
- Contains sodium, increasing risk of fluid-related swelling; caution in conditions associated with fluid build-up.
- High calcium levels in the blood:
- May increase the risk of complications, such as milk-alkali syndrome.
- High sodium levels in the blood:
- Might further elevate sodium levels; avoid in those with high blood sodium.
- High blood pressure:
- Might increase blood pressure; caution for those with existing hypertension.
- Low potassium levels in the blood:
- Might lower potassium levels; caution for those with existing potassium deficiency.
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