Have you ever had to undergo a special test, such as an endoscopy or an X-ray of the stomach, due to a condition such as stomach pain or gastritis? In such cases, doctors use various things to make the inside of the stomach clearly visible before the test. One such medicine is sodium bicarbonate. But this is not the baking soda we use for food, it is something that is given for a different medical need. Let's talk about this in detail.
What is sodium bicarbonate and why is it given?
Simply put, this is a medicine that comes in the form of granules. A doctor or health professional gives it to you to drink. When you drink this, it creates gas in your stomach and makes your stomach swell a little. Then the walls of the stomach are stretched, and when you take an X-ray or other scan, the doctor can see the structures inside the stomach very clearly in those images.
The most important thing: This is a medication that is only given under the supervision of a doctor, in a hospital or clinic. It is not something that can be bought at a pharmacy and used at home.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before this test, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to sodium bicarbonate or any other medicine, food, or preservatives, you should tell your doctor.
- Throat, stomach, or intestinal problems: Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, a blockage in your throat, stomach, or intestines, a perforation, or if you have recently had surgery related to this.
- Low-sodium diet: If your doctor has told you to follow a low-salt (low-sodium) diet, you should mention that as well, as this medication also contains sodium.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is essential to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How to use this medicine and is it suitable for children?
This is not a medicine that you can take home and take every day. It is only used in a hospital or clinic. It is given to you by a healthcare professional (doctor or nurse) there.
This medication is not generally approved for use in children. Therefore, if your child needs to have this type of test, talk to your pediatrician about it to determine the best course of action.
What do you do if you accidentally take too much?
This is a hospital-based treatment, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you may have overdosed on this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Interactions with other medications
Some medications can cause problems when taken with sodium bicarbonate. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Below are some medications that may cause problems with this medicine. This list is not complete, so it is best to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline , Tetracycline |
| Aspirin and similar drugs | Aspirin |
| Antifungals | Itraconazole, Ketoconazole |
| Medications for mental illness | Lithium |
| Other | Quinidine, Quinine, Methenamine |
What are the possible side effects of taking this medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, while others are mild.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Stomach discomfort | Nausea, vomiting. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Bloating and flatulence | A feeling of fullness in the stomach, a feeling of fullness. |
| Excessive thirst | Feeling the need to drink water frequently. |
| Stomach pain | Mild stomach upset or cramps. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Sodium bicarbonate is a medicine that is only given in a hospital for special medical tests, such as an abdominal X-ray. This is not baking soda for home use.
- Before taking this medication, it is imperative to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, all medical conditions you have, and any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling) or severe discomfort after taking this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) given in hospitals?
Although this is usually 'baking soda' used in cooking, this sodium bicarbonate (tablets/injections) given by pharmacies in hospitals is an extremely important and powerful life-saving medicine! It is used when the liver/kidneys have failed and the 'acidity/acidity (Acidosis)' in the blood or urine has become unbearable, to eliminate that acidity and save the patient's life.
💬 How to reduce acidosis in the body?
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is an alkaline chemical. When your kidneys fail, acid builds up in your blood, causing metabolic acidosis. When this medicine enters your blood or stomach, it reacts with the excess acid (H+ ions) and immediately turns into carbon dioxide and water. Within minutes, the acid in your body will be gone and the patient will regain consciousness.
💬 What are the side effects of continuing to take this medicine (Sodium Bicarbonate)?
The biggest problem is that when this is dissolved with acids, it produces 'gas (carbon dioxide)'. Therefore, those who take these (especially for heartburn/as antacids) experience bloating, gas and weakness, and possibly even an intestinal/stomach explosion. Also, since it contains a lot of 'sodium/salt', people with kidney/heart problems may experience severe swelling/edema in their legs and increased blood pressure!
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