What is Sodium Bicarbonate? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated Aug 25, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sodium bicarbonate is what baking soda is made of. At home and in the healthcare provider’s office, sodium bicarbonate has many medical benefits, especially for calming an upset stomach. Taking sodium bicarbonate can be as easy as buying a box of baking soda, but it can also be administered as a tablet, liquid, or injection. However, sodium bicarbonate can have serious side effects when used excessively, so always use it in moderation.

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Sodium Bicarbonate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Arm & Hammer, Brioschi, Rapidol, After Bite (for bug bites)

Generic Names:

  • Sodium bicarbonate

Uses:

  • Treats heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour or upset stomach. Sodium bicarbonate injections are used to treat metabolic acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate is a common home remedy for several mild ailments.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antacid, alkalinizing agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, powder, liquid, injection, topical liquid, topical cream

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, injection, topically

What is Sodium Bicarbonate used for?

Sodium bicarbonate is used for a wide spectrum of medical problems and minor ailments:

  • Sodium bicarbonate tablets and powder are commonly used as an antacid to relieve stomach upset, heartburn, acid indigestion, and other stomach acid complaints.

  • Healthcare professionals may prescribe oral sodium bicarbonate to reduce the acidity of urine or for chronic metabolic acidosis (acidic blood) due to kidney problems.

  • Sodium bicarbonate injections or infusions are used to treat acute metabolic acidosis or salicylic overdose.

  • Sodium bicarbonate paste, compresses, or baths can be used as a skin protectant or to help with skin problems like eczema.

  • Sodium bicarbonate liquid or cream is used to relieve minor skin itching due to bug bites or poisonous plants.

  • Sodium bicarbonate solution can be used to clean wounds before applying a dressing.

  • Sodium bicarbonate powder can be used alone or added to toothpaste to clean and whiten teeth.

  • Sodium bicarbonate is a common ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives and can be used in baths as a home remedy for constipation.

  • Sodium bicarbonate is a common ingredient in nasal and sinus washes along with table salt (sodium chloride).

  • Sodium bicarbonate solution is widely used in hemodialysis to remove impurities and correct acid imbalance in the blood.

What form(s) does Sodium Bicarbonate come in?

  • Tablet

    • 325 mg (5 grams)

    • 650 mg (10 grams)

  • Powder

    • Variable (boxed)

  • Liquid

    • 525 mg/15 mL

  • Injection

    • 4.2% (0.5 milliequivalents/milliliter)

    • 7.5% (0.9 mEq/mL)

    • 8.4% (1 mEq/mL)

What are common Sodium Bicarbonate dosages?

  • To treat heartburn or indigestion: 

    • 650 mg–2,600 mg (1–4 650 mg tablets) taken every four hours (maximum 15.6 grams per day) 

    • 1/2 teaspoon powder taken every two hours (maximum 3 1/2 teaspoons per day) 

    • 1 tbsp. liquid every four hours (maximum 6 tbsp. per day)

  • To treat heartburn or indigestion in seniors: 

    • 650 mg–1,300 mg (1–2 650 mg tablets) taken by mouth every four hours 

    • 1/2 teaspoon powder every two hours (maximum 1 ½ teaspoons per day) 

    • 1 tbsp. liquid every four hours (maximum 6 tbsp. per day)

  • For urinary alkalinization: 3,900 mg initial oral dose followed by 975–1,950 mg taken orally every four hours

  • For metabolic acidosis: 4–8 hour intravenous infusion of varying doses depending on the severity of the condition

Sodium Bicarbonate images - What does Sodium Bicarbonate look like?

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    100 tablets bottle

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    1000 tablets bottle

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    50ml of 7.5% syringe

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    50ml of 8.4% syringe

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    325mg tablet

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    650mg tablet

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    10ml of 4.2% vial

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    10ml of 8.4% vial

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    50ml of 8.4% vial

  • Sodium Bicarbonate
    5ml of 4.2% vial

How to take Sodium Bicarbonate

  • When taking sodium bicarbonate products, follow the instructions and recommended dosages printed on the label or included with the medicine.

  • When using sodium bicarbonate under the advice of a healthcare provider, follow all the healthcare provider’s instructions.

  • Do not exceed the recommended and maximum dosages.

  • How to take sodium bicarbonate tablets:

    • Sodium bicarbonate tablets can be swallowed with a glass of water.

    • The tablets can also be dissolved in water and taken that way.

    • Store sodium bicarbonate tablets at room temperature.

  • How to take sodium bicarbonate powder:

    • Mix ½ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder in four ounces of water.

    • Drink the solution.

    • Store sodium bicarbonate powder at room temperature.

  • How to take sodium bicarbonate liquid:

    • Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.

    • You can measure the dose using a standard kitchen device that measures tablespoons or teaspoons.

    • Drink the liquid.

    • Store sodium bicarbonate liquid at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sodium Bicarbonate

  • If you’re taking oral doses of sodium bicarbonate tablets or powder to treat stomach issues, take a missed dose if symptoms are still present. Wait four hours before taking another tablet or two hours before taking another ½ teaspoon of baking powder.

  • If you are taking oral doses of sodium bicarbonate under the direction of a healthcare provider, ask the healthcare provider what to do in case a dose is missed.

  • Do not exceed the maximum dose specified in the instructions.

Sodium Bicarbonate contraindications - Who shouldn't take Sodium Bicarbonate?

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the sodium bicarbonate product.

  • Do not take oral sodium bicarbonate if you have any symptoms of appendicitis, including severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Sodium Bicarbonate warnings

  • Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Before taking oral doses of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, talk to a healthcare provider first if you:

    • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

    • Are on a low-sodium diet

    • Have electrolyte problems

    • Have fluid retention problems

    • Have any medical condition that can cause alkaline blood, such as recurrent vomiting, dehydration, too much aldosterone hormone, heart failure, or severe kidney disease

  • Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms last for longer than two weeks.

  • Although sodium bicarbonate is safe to purchase over the counter, do not exceed the maximum dosage or take the maximum dosage for longer than two weeks. Overusing sodium bicarbonate can cause serious health problems, including blood alkalosis (high blood pH) and electrolyte imbalances. 

  • Do not give sodium bicarbonate or baking soda to a child without talking to a healthcare provider first.

Sodium Bicarbonate interactions & what to avoid when taking Sodium Bicarbonate

  • Sodium bicarbonate reduces stomach acid. This can reduce the body’s absorption of many types of drugs and make them less effective. Do not take any other medication one hour before or two hours after taking a sodium bicarbonate dose.

  • Always tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • Before using sodium bicarbonate, talk to a healthcare provider if you are taking drugs that make you pee (diuretics).

  • If you are using a lot of sodium bicarbonate, consuming large amounts of milk or other sources of calcium can cause serious side effects, including high calcium, alkaline blood, and kidney damage.

Sodium Bicarbonate side effects - How does Sodium Bicarbonate make you feel?

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of sodium bicarbonate are typically caused by antacid overuse or sodium bicarbonate injections. Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Muscle twitching, cramping, muscle stiffness, irritation, confusion, abnormal heartbeats

  • Rapid weight gain swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Seizures

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Gas

  • Thirst

  • Stomach pain

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