Sodicarb
Generic Name
Sodium Bicarbonate
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (hypothetical)
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| sodicarb 600 mg tablet | ৳ 7.00 | ৳ 105.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Sodicarb 600 mg tablet is primarily used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach. It also acts as a systemic alkalinizer to correct metabolic acidosis and can be used for urinary alkalinization.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For antacid use: 600 mg to 2 g, 1 to 4 times daily, as needed. Typically, 1-2 tablets (600 mg each) dissolved in water or swallowed with water. Do not exceed 8 tablets per day for more than 2 weeks.
Elderly
Similar to adults, but caution should be exercised in patients with pre-existing cardiac or renal conditions due to sodium content.
Renal_impairment
Use with extreme caution. Avoid in severe renal impairment due to risk of hypernatremia, fluid retention, and worsening of metabolic alkalosis.
How to Take
Take orally with a full glass of water. For antacid effect, it can be chewed, dissolved in water, or swallowed whole.
Mechanism of Action
Sodium Bicarbonate works by neutralizing stomach acid (HCl) to produce water, carbon dioxide, and sodium chloride, thereby increasing gastric pH. Systemically, it provides bicarbonate ions which help buffer excess hydrogen ions in the blood, raising blood pH.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within minutes for antacid action.
Excretion
Mainly renal excretion of excess bicarbonate ions and sodium.
Half life
As an endogenous ion, a true pharmacokinetic half-life is not typically assigned; its effects are maintained as long as excess bicarbonate is present or until renal excretion.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, especially if not consumed with high gastric acid content.
Metabolism
Not metabolized in the conventional sense; it acts as a buffer.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Sodium Bicarbonate.
- Patients on a sodium-restricted diet (relative contraindication).
- Metabolic alkalosis.
- Hypochloremia.
- Severe abdominal pain of unknown origin.
Drug Interactions
Lithium
May increase lithium excretion, potentially reducing its efficacy.
Methenamine
Decreases efficacy of methenamine by alkalinizing urine.
Iron supplements
Decreases absorption of iron.
Ketoconazole & Itraconazole
Decreased absorption of antifungals that require an acidic gastric environment.
Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones
May decrease absorption due to chelation.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include metabolic alkalosis (nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness), hypernatremia, and fluid retention. Management involves discontinuing the drug, correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Generally considered safe for occasional use in moderation. However, prolonged or high-dose use should be avoided due to potential for sodium overload and metabolic alkalosis. Consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Sodium Bicarbonate.
- Patients on a sodium-restricted diet (relative contraindication).
- Metabolic alkalosis.
- Hypochloremia.
- Severe abdominal pain of unknown origin.
Drug Interactions
Lithium
May increase lithium excretion, potentially reducing its efficacy.
Methenamine
Decreases efficacy of methenamine by alkalinizing urine.
Iron supplements
Decreases absorption of iron.
Ketoconazole & Itraconazole
Decreased absorption of antifungals that require an acidic gastric environment.
Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones
May decrease absorption due to chelation.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include metabolic alkalosis (nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness), hypernatremia, and fluid retention. Management involves discontinuing the drug, correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Generally considered safe for occasional use in moderation. However, prolonged or high-dose use should be avoided due to potential for sodium overload and metabolic alkalosis. Consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (hypothetical)
Patent Status
Generic
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Sodium Bicarbonate is a long-established compound with extensive historical use and well-documented efficacy for its indicated uses. Modern clinical trials might focus on specific formulations or new applications.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum electrolytes (Sodium, Bicarbonate, Chloride)
- Acid-base balance (arterial blood gases if severe acidosis/alkalosis)
- Renal function tests (BUN, Creatinine) for long-term use in renal impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Monitor serum electrolytes (sodium, bicarbonate, chloride) in patients on prolonged therapy or with underlying renal/cardiac issues.
- Caution in patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, or severe renal impairment due to sodium load.
- Advise patients against chronic self-medication for acid-related symptoms without diagnosis.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration without consulting a doctor.
- Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you are taking.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Sodicarb 600 mg tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid foods and beverages that trigger indigestion or heartburn (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol).
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Drink plenty of water.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.