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Sodium Bicarbonate

Pronounced

"SO-dee-um bye-KAR-buh-nate"

Uses

Sodium bicarbonate reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to treat heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Sodium bicarbonate is a very quick-acting antacid. It should be used only for temporary relief. If you need to treat long-term stomach acid problems (such as peptic ulcer disease, GERD), talk with your doctor about other medications.

Sodium bicarbonate is the active ingredient in baking soda.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of gout and kidney stones. It makes the urine less acidic, which helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid. Uric acid can cause gout or kidney stones. This drug can make some medications (such as sulfonamides) work better or can help your body get rid of too much medication (such as phenobarbital). This drug may also be used for certain metabolic problems (such as acidosis) caused by kidney disease.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Some tablets should be dissolved in a glass of water before swallowing. Other tablets may be swallowed whole or dissolved in water before swallowing. Follow all directions on the product package for the product you are taking. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are self-treating and your acid problems last or get worse after you have used this product for 2 weeks, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. If you are using this medication regularly on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks, you may have a medical problem that needs different treatment. Ask your doctor if this is the right medication for you.

If your doctor has directed you to take this medication for acidosis or to alkalinize your urine, your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To get the most benefit from this medication, take it regularly, exactly as directed. It is usually taken by mouth several times a day. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase the dose, take it more often, or keep taking this for longer than prescribed.

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RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.