Indications
Sodium Carbonate (washing soda) is an alkaline salt with two main kinds of use in medicine-related products. In veterinary practice in Bangladesh it is sold as a powder or solution for washing the mouth, feet and hooves of cattle, goats and sheep, for example to clean sores in foot-and-mouth disease and foot rot, and as a general cleaning wash. It is also one of the ingredients in some effervescent (fizzy) antacid powders for people, together with Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid, used for short-term relief of heartburn and acidity.
How It Works
Sodium Carbonate is alkaline. In a wash, it loosens dirt, pus and grease, softens dead tissue and creates conditions that many viruses and bacteria do not survive well, helping wounds stay clean. In antacid powders, it reacts with acid; with Citric Acid it creates bubbles when dissolved and helps neutralise excess stomach acid.
Dosage and Administration
Veterinary wash: dissolve in clean water only as directed on the label or by a veterinarian, and use to wash the affected mouth, feet or hooves, usually once or twice a day. Do not use it stronger than directed. Antacid powder for people: dissolve the sachet or measured amount in a glass of water and drink while it fizzes, as directed on the label; do not use for more than a few days without medical advice.
Interactions
As part of an antacid, it can reduce or change the absorption of other medicines such as Tetracyclines, Iron, some antifungals and some HIV medicines; take other medicines at least 2 hours apart. In washes, do not mix with acids or other disinfectants unless advised.
Contraindications
Do not use strong solutions on open deep wounds or in the eyes. People on a low-salt diet, or with high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease, should not use sodium-containing antacid powders without medical advice. Not for children under 12 unless a doctor advises.
Side Effects
Strong solutions can irritate or burn the skin, eyes and mouth. Antacid powders may cause bloating, burping and, with frequent use, salt and water retention.
Get urgent medical help if a strong solution or powder is swallowed by accident, if it splashes into the eyes and causes pain, or if there is severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or black stools while using antacids. For animals, contact a veterinarian if sores get worse, the animal stops eating, or lameness increases.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Using a correctly diluted wash poses little risk to people handling it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using sodium-containing antacid powders, mainly because of their salt content.
Precautions and Warnings
Wear gloves when preparing veterinary washes and avoid contact with eyes. Isolate animals with foot-and-mouth disease and follow official disease control advice; the wash helps keep sores clean but does not cure the disease. Heartburn that keeps coming back should be checked by a doctor.
Overdose
Swallowing concentrated Sodium Carbonate can cause burns of the mouth, throat and stomach, vomiting and pain. Do not make the person vomit; rinse the mouth and go to hospital immediately. Rinse eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Therapeutic Class
Alkalinising agent; veterinary cleansing wash and antacid ingredient.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, tightly closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.