Intravenous sodium bicarbonate

Intravenous Sodium Bicarbonate is a medical treatment that involves the injection of sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, directly into the bloodstream. This treatment is typically used to treat conditions that cause the body to become too acidic, a state known as acidosis.

Uses

Intravenous sodium bicarbonate is primarily used to treat severe cases of acidosis, including metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis. It can also be used to treat certain drug overdoses, particularly barbiturates and salicylates like aspirin.

Mechanism of Action

Sodium bicarbonate works by neutralizing excess acid in the blood. The bicarbonate ion acts as a buffer, binding with hydrogen ions to form water and carbon dioxide, which can then be excreted by the body. This helps to restore the body's pH balance and prevent damage to the body's tissues and organs.

Administration

Intravenous sodium bicarbonate is administered through a vein, usually in the arm. The dosage and rate of administration will depend on the patient's condition and the severity of their acidosis.

Side Effects

Like all medical treatments, intravenous sodium bicarbonate can have side effects. These can include hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hypernatremia (high sodium levels), and metabolic alkalosis (a condition where the body becomes too alkaline).

Contraindications

Intravenous sodium bicarbonate should not be used in patients with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), hypochloremia (low chloride levels), or in patients who are retaining too much water.

See Also

• Acidosis
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Intravenous therapy