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.

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.

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.

Nausea, bloating, or gas may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• swelling hands/ankles/feet
• unusual weight gain

When taken with sodium bicarbonate, large doses of calcium from your diet, medications, or supplements can rarely cause a serious problem called milk-alkali syndrome. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using calcium products safely while you are using this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• dizziness
• muscle aches/spasms
• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, irritability, memory problems)
• vomiting
• weakness
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking sodium bicarbonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney problems
• heart failure
• low calcium levels
• swollen ankles/legs/feet due to retaining water (peripheral edema)

Because this medication contains salt (sodium), do not use it if you are on a salt-restricted diet.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication may worsen high blood pressure during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• aspirin and other salicylates (such as salsalate)
• corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
• memantine
• medications with a special coating to protect the stomach (enteric coating)

This medication can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs that need stomach acid to work, including ampicillin, atazanavir, certain azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), iron supplements, pazopanib, sucralfate, among others. Before using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to manage this possible interaction.

If your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle spasms, seizures.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium/potassium/sodium levels, bicarbonate levels) should be done if you are taking large doses or taking this medication for more than 2 weeks. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.