Sodium Bicarbonate: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Sodium Bicarbonate is an alkalinising agent and antacid. It is a prescription medicine used for metabolic acidosis, acidity, indigestion, heartburn and urinary alkalinisation. In Pakistan it is available as infusions and tablets, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Sodium Bicarbonate works
Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali. In the stomach it neutralises acid, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which eases heartburn. Once absorbed it raises the bicarbonate level in the blood, which buffers excess acid, and some passes into the urine, making it less acidic.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate used for?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Acidity
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Urinary alkalinisation
Sodium Bicarbonate is used to correct metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the blood becomes too acidic, which can happen with kidney disease, severe diarrhoea or certain poisonings. Injections are given in hospital for severe cases, while tablets may be prescribed in long-term kidney disease. Oral forms are also used for short-term relief of acidity and indigestion and to make the urine less acidic.
Side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate
Side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate are often related to the gas it produces in the stomach. The more common ones include:
- Bloating
- Belching or wind
- Stomach cramps
- Thirst
- Nausea
Get medical help quickly for muscle twitching or cramps, confusion, swelling of the ankles or legs, breathlessness, or severe stomach pain after taking it, and report any pain or swelling at an injection site.
Precautions and warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease or swelling, as it contains a lot of sodium.
- Do not use oral forms for indigestion for long periods without medical advice.
- It can affect how other medicines are absorbed, so keep a gap between Sodium Bicarbonate and other tablets unless your doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise.
- Injections are given in hospital by trained staff, with blood tests to monitor the effect.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using it.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium Bicarbonate
What is the price of Sodium Bicarbonate in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Sodium Bicarbonate products currently in stock range from Rs 43 to Rs 351 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Sodium Bicarbonate at Rs 43. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Sodium Bicarbonate are available in Pakistan?
Sodium Bicarbonate is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Meylon (Otsuka), Sodium (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd) and Sodomin.Do I need a prescription for Sodium Bicarbonate?
Yes. Sodium Bicarbonate is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Sodium Bicarbonate be used during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using it.
Are all Sodium Bicarbonate brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Sodium Bicarbonate in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Sodium Bicarbonate brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 3 products containing Sodium Bicarbonate from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
