DoseFacts

Sodium bicarbonate

Also in: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ

Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid, a medicine that quickly neutralises stomach acid. It is used for short-term relief of heartburn and acid indigestion. It contains a lot of sodium, so it needs care in people with heart, kidney or blood pressure problems.

Also known as: Baking soda, Bicarbonate of soda, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Eating soda

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Sodium bicarbonate at a glance. Used for: Heartburn, Acid indigestion. Ask a doctor first: Low-salt diet, High blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease, Pregnancy or breastfeeding, Taking prescription medicines (leave a 2 to 4 hour gap), Giving it to a child. Get medical help quickly for: Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks. Taking too much: Do not use the maximum amount for more than 2 weeks. If much more has been taken, or you feel unwell, get medical help. Dose: follow the label or your doctor's advice.

How does Sodium bicarbonate work?

It reacts with stomach acid to form water, salt and carbon dioxide gas, which makes the stomach contents less acidic and can cause burping.

Who should be careful

  • Low-salt diet, high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease: ask a doctor first
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a health professional before use
  • Do not use the maximum amount for more than 2 weeks; stop and ask a doctor if symptoms last longer
  • Prescription medicines: antacids can change how they work; leave a gap of 2 to 4 hours
  • Do not use it in children unless a doctor advises

Type of medicine

Sodium bicarbonate belongs to this type of medicine.

Medicines that contain Sodium bicarbonate

These medicines sold in India contain Sodium bicarbonate. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.

  • ENO · VERIFY on pack effervescent powder (fruit salt), dissolved in water

What is Sodium bicarbonate used for?

Combination medicines that contain Sodium bicarbonate are used for these conditions.

Other medicines of the same type

These active ingredients are of the same type as Sodium bicarbonate.

Common questions

Is sodium bicarbonate safe for daily use?

It is meant for short-term relief only. The US label says to stop and ask a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks, and not to use the maximum amount longer than that. Each dose has a lot of sodium.

Sources

  1. Sodium bicarbonate antacid tablets: OTC drug label (updated 12/2023). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
  2. Antacids. NHS (UK)
  3. ATC/DDD Index: A02AH antacids with sodium bicarbonate. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology