Soda Boost

Indications

Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) is used for short-term relief of heartburn, acid indigestion and upset stomach. Doctors also use it to correct too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis), for example in long-term kidney disease, and to make the urine less acidic in some conditions. Injections are used in hospital for severe acidosis and some poisonings.

How It Works

It is an alkali. In the stomach it neutralises acid quickly, which eases burning pain. Once absorbed, it raises the bicarbonate level in the blood, which reduces excess acid in the body and the urine.

Dosage and Administration

Indigestion in adults: take the amount on the product label, dissolved in a glass of water, when needed. Do not take more than the label maximum, and do not use it for more than 2 weeks without medical advice. Kidney disease, urine alkalinisation and children: as prescribed. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse in hospital.

Interactions

Sodium Bicarbonate can change how well many medicines are absorbed or removed from the body, so take other medicines at least 2 hours apart. It can lower Lithium levels and reduce the effect of Aspirin and some antibiotics such as Tetracyclines. It may make enteric-coated tablets dissolve too early in the stomach. Avoid large amounts of milk or calcium products with it, as this can upset the body's calcium and acid balance.

Contraindications

• Alkalosis (when the blood is already too alkaline).
• Low blood calcium or low chloride, for example after a lot of vomiting.
• People on a strict low-salt diet unless the doctor advises it.
• Severe stomach pain of unknown cause.

Side Effects

Common: belching, wind, bloating and stomach cramps. Regular use can cause fluid build-up and raised blood pressure because of its sodium content.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• Severe stomach pain or swelling after taking it, especially after a large meal.
• Muscle twitching, cramps, tingling or confusion.
• Swelling of the legs or feet, or breathlessness.
• Black stools or vomiting blood.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Occasional use for heartburn is unlikely to harm, but regular use in pregnancy is not advised because the sodium can cause fluid build-up. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a better antacid if you are pregnant. It is considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care if you have heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease or swelling of the legs. Dissolve it fully before drinking. If indigestion keeps coming back, or you have weight loss, trouble swallowing or vomiting, see a doctor.

Overdose

Too much can make the blood too alkaline, causing muscle twitching, cramps, irritability, slow breathing and confusion. Seek medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Antacid and alkalinising agent.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, tightly closed and out of the reach of children.