What is this medication for?
This medication is used to treat metabolic acidosis (a condition where there is too much acid in the blood). It works by removing extra acid in the blood and returns the blood to a normal acid level.
It may also be used to lower acid levels in the urine or replace bicarbonate loss caused by severe diarrhoea.
How should I take or use this medication?
- Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
- You may take this medication with or without food.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
- If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
- You have liver disease
- You have heart problems
- You have stomach problems
What are some common side effects of this medication?
Some side effects include stomach discomfort, bloating, headache or nausea.
- If stomach discomfort occurs, you may take the medication 1 to 2 hours after meals.
Inform your healthcare professional if there is no improvement or if these side effects worsen
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies
Very rarely, too much sodium bicarbonate may lead to metabolic alkalosis (a condition where the blood has too little acid). Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased urination
- Thirst
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore