Neut (Oral, Intravenous, Subcutaneous)

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is used to ease heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing extra stomach acid. When used this way, it is part of a group of medicines called antacids. It can also help treat symptoms of stomach or duodenal ulcers. Sodium bicarbonate is used to make the blood and urine more alkaline in certain situations.

Antacids should not be given to young children (up to 6 years of age) unless their doctor prescribes them. Since children often cannot describe their symptoms well, a doctor should examine the child before giving this medicine. The child might have a condition that requires different treatment. In that case, antacids will not help and could cause unwanted effects or worsen the condition.

Sodium bicarbonate for oral use is available without a prescription.

If your doctor has prescribed this medicine and you will be taking it regularly for a long time, your doctor should monitor your progress at regular visits. This is to ensure the medicine does not cause unwanted effects.

Do not take sodium bicarbonate:

• Within 1 to 2 hours of taking other medicine by mouth. Doing so may prevent the other medicine from working properly.
• For a long period of time. Doing so may increase the chance of side effects.

For patients on a sodium-restricted diet:

• This medicine contains a large amount of sodium. If you have any questions about this, consult your health care professional.

For patients taking this medicine as an antacid:

• Do not take this medicine if you have any signs of appendicitis (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting). Instead, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
• Do not take this medicine with large amounts of milk or milk products. Doing so may increase the chance of side effects.
• Do not take sodium bicarbonate for more than 2 weeks or if the problem returns often. Instead, consult your doctor. Antacids should be used only for occasional relief, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to think about regarding this medicine:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your health care professional about any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Antacids should not be given to young children (up to 6 years of age) unless prescribed by a physician. This medicine may not help and may even worsen some conditions, so confirm that your child's issue is suitable for treatment with this medicine before using it.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of sodium bicarbonate in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When taking this medicine, it is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you take one or both of the medicines.

• Acalabrutinib
• Amphetamine
• Atazanavir
• Benzphetamine
• Cabotegravir
• Cefuroxime Axetil
• Dextroamphetamine
• Digoxin
• Erdafitinib
• Gefitinib
• Infigratinib
• Ketoconazole
• Ledipasvir
• Lisdexamfetamine
• Mefenamic Acid
• Memantine
• Methamphetamine
• Neratinib
• Octreotide
• Pazopanib
• Rilpivirine
• Selpercatinib
• Sotorasib

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you take one or both of the medicines.

• Chloroquine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Appendicitis or
• Intestinal or rectal bleeding—Oral forms of sodium bicarbonate may worsen these conditions

• Edema (swelling of feet or lower legs) or
• Heart disease or
• High blood pressure (hypertension) or
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease or
• Problems with urination or
• Toxemia of pregnancy—Sodium bicarbonate may cause the body to retain (keep) water, which may worsen these conditions.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although the following side effects happen very rarely when this medicine is taken as directed, they may be more likely to happen if it is taken: in large doses, for a long time, or by patients with kidney disease.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• headache (continuing)
• loss of appetite (continuing)
• mood or mental changes
• muscle pain or twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• nervousness or restlessness
• slow breathing
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• unpleasant taste
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Increased thirst
• stomach cramps

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Brioschi
• Neut

In Canada

• Sellymin
• Sodium Bicarbonate

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet
• Granule
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antacid, Sodium Bicarbonate Containing

For safe and effective use of sodium bicarbonate:

• Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.
• Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

For patients taking this medicine for a stomach ulcer:

• Take it exactly as directed and for the full time of treatment as ordered by your doctor, to obtain maximum relief of your symptoms.
• Take it 1 and 3 hours after meals and at bedtime for best results, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For sodium bicarbonate effervescent powder: To relieve heartburn or sour stomach: Adults and teenagers—3.9 to 10 grams (1 to 2½ teaspoonfuls) in a glass of cold water after meals. However, the dose is usually not more than 19.5 grams (5 teaspoonfuls) a day. Children up to 6 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor. Children 6 to 12 years of age—1 to 1.9 grams (¼ to ½ teaspoonful) in a glass of cold water after meals.
• For sodium bicarbonate powder: To relieve heartburn or sour stomach: Adults and teenagers—One-half teaspoonful in a glass of water every two hours. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor. To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic): Adults and teenagers—One teaspoonful in a glass of water every four hours. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 teaspoonfuls a day. Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For sodium bicarbonate tablets: To relieve heartburn or sour stomach: Adults and teenagers—325 milligrams (mg) to 2 grams one to four times a day. Children up to 6 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor. Children 6 to 12 years of age—The dose is 520 mg. The dose may be repeated in thirty minutes. To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic): Adults and teenagers—At first, four grams, then 1 to 2 grams every four hours. However, the dose is usually not more than 16 grams a day. Children—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 23 to 230 mg per kilogram (kg) (10.5 to 105 mg per pound) of body weight a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

• What are the risks of drinking baking soda?