Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg

Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg — Uses and Benefits

Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg is mainly used to treat acidity, indigestion, and conditions where the blood or urine is too acidic.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Relief from acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach
• Managing metabolic acidosis (excess acid in the body) under medical supervision
• Making urine less acidic in certain kidney or bladder conditions
• Used in some emergency and hospital settings to correct acid-base imbalance

HOW IT WORKS

• It is an alkaline salt that neutralises excess acid in the stomach
• When absorbed into the blood, it helps balance the body's acid-base levels
• Provides quick, short-term relief from acid-related discomfort

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not a treatment for ulcers or long-term acid reflux disease (GERD)
• Not meant for regular daily use as a substitute for proper antacid therapy
• Not used to treat infections or pain unrelated to acidity
• Not suitable as a general electrolyte or mineral supplement without medical advice

How to Use Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with a full glass of water
• Can be taken after meals for acidity relief unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Do not take with milk or calcium-rich foods without checking with your doctor
• Do not increase the dose or frequency on your own
• If given as an injection, it will be administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• If you are taking it regularly for a medical condition, take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one
• If used only occasionally for acidity, take it only when needed as advised

STORAGE

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack

Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Belching or bloating
• Gas or stomach discomfort
• Mild nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Increased thirst
• Headache
• Mild swelling of feet or hands due to fluid retention
• Change in taste

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe stomach pain or swelling
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness or spasms
• Signs of severe alkalosis such as confusion, tremors, or slow breathing
• Severe swelling of legs, sudden weight gain, or breathlessness

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Sodium Bicarbonate 500mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available both as an over-the-counter antacid and as a prescription-based treatment for medical acidosis; higher-strength or injectable forms are prescription-only in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to sodium bicarbonate
• Have severe kidney disease without medical supervision
• Have high blood pressure that is poorly controlled
• Are on a strict salt-restricted diet, unless approved by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Have kidney disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are on a low-sodium diet
• Have swelling in your legs or feet

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines
• Iron supplements
• Medicines for heart conditions such as digoxin
• Other antacids or medicines affecting stomach acid
• Aspirin and some pain relievers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this every day for acidity?

No, it is meant for occasional or short-term relief; daily use should only be under a doctor's guidance.

Is this safe for people with high blood pressure?

It contains sodium, so it should be used cautiously and only under medical advice in people with high blood pressure.

Can I take this with other antacids?

• Combining antacids without medical advice is not recommended as it may affect how each medicine works.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.