Overview
Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This makes a solution alkaline, meaning it's able to neutralize acid.
Sodium bicarbonate's ability to neutralize acid helps treat conditions related to high acidity in bodily fluids, such as indigestion, which is caused by too much acid in the stomach.
People commonly use sodium bicarbonate for indigestion. It is also used for stomach ulcers, athletic performance, kidney damage, dental plaque, tooth discoloration, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Likely Effective for
- Indigestion (dyspepsia). Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered effective when taken by mouth for indigestion. They are FDA-approved for this use.
Possibly Effective for
- Athletic performance. Taking sodium bicarbonate by mouth seems to improve athletic performance by a small amount in most people.
- Toxicity from drugs that affect the function of sodium channels (sodium channel blockade). Giving sodium bicarbonate by IV seems to help to reduce side effects from drugs that cause sodium channel blockade. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Brushing the teeth with sodium bicarbonate seems to be help with gingivitis.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest). Giving sodium bicarbonate by IV does not increase survival in children or adults who experienced cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. It might even worsen recovery. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
- Tissue damage caused when there is limited blood flow and then blood flow is restored (ischemia-reperfusion injury). Giving sodium bicarbonate by IV does not prevent kidney problems in people who have had heart surgery. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
There is interest in using sodium bicarbonate for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Sodium bicarbonate is likely safe when used appropriately, short-term. Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US FDA. Taking sodium bicarbonate in very high doses is possibly unsafe. It is also possibly unsafe to take sodium bicarbonate that it is not fully dissolved into a solution. Stomach rupture and serious changes in electrolyte levels have occurred.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Sodium bicarbonate is likely safe when used appropriately, short-term. Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US FDA. Taking sodium bicarbonate in very high doses is possibly unsafe. It is also possibly unsafe to take sodium bicarbonate that it is not fully dissolved into a solution. Stomach rupture and serious changes in electrolyte levels have occurred.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: Sodium bicarbonate is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of water retention or pH imbalances in the tissues.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use while breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use by mouth in children. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Sodium bicarbonate is possibly unsafe when applied to the skin. There have been reports of high sodium blood levels in children following use.
Burns: Applying sodium bicarbonate to burns might increase burn thickness in the skin.
Sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest): Sodium bicarbonate doesn't seem to help in people who have had cardiac arrest. It might reduce survival or slow down recovery.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Sodium bicarbonate increases blood acids called ketones, which are associated with DKA. Sodium bicarbonate should not be used in people with this condition.
Swelling (edema): Because sodium bicarbonate contains sodium, it can increase the risk of swelling caused by excess fluids in the body. People with heart failure, liver disease, or other conditions associated with fluid build-up should use sodium bicarbonate with caution.
High calcium levels in the blood: People with high calcium levels in the blood can have trouble getting rid of bicarbonate. Taking sodium bicarbonate might increase the risk of complications such as milk-alkali syndrome.
High sodium levels in the blood: Sodium bicarbonate might increase sodium levels in the blood. People who already have high levels of sodium in the blood should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
High blood pressure: Sodium bicarbonate might increase blood pressure. People who already have high blood pressure should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Low potassium levels in the blood: Sodium bicarbonate might lower potassium blood levels. People who already have low levels of potassium should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Dosing
Sodium bicarbonate is found in FDA-approved OTC antacid products. It is also found in other supplements. Sodium bicarbonate has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-400 mg/kg by mouth daily for 3-7 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Sodium bicarbonate is also found in toothpastes, mouth rinses, and ear drops. Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is also used in foods.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
