Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For safe and effective use of sodium bicarbonate:

  • Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.
  • Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

For patients taking this medicine for a stomach ulcer :

  • Take it exactly as directed and for the full time of treatment as ordered by your doctor, to obtain maximum relief of your symptoms.
  • Take it 1 and 3 hours after meals and at bedtime for best results, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For sodium bicarbonate effervescent powder:
    • To relieve heartburn or sour stomach:
      • Adults and teenagers—3.9 to 10 grams (1 to 2½ teaspoonfuls) in a glass of cold water after meals. However, the dose is usually not more than 19.5 grams (5 teaspoonfuls) a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—1 to 1.9 grams (¼ to ½ teaspoonful) in a glass of cold water after meals.
  • For sodium bicarbonate powder:
    • To relieve heartburn or sour stomach:
      • Adults and teenagers—One-half teaspoonful in a glass of water every two hours. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic):
      • Adults and teenagers—One teaspoonful in a glass of water every four hours. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 teaspoonfuls a day.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For sodium bicarbonate tablets:
    • To relieve heartburn or sour stomach:
      • Adults and teenagers—325 milligrams (mg) to 2 grams one to four times a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—The dose is 520 mg. The dose may be repeated in thirty minutes.
    • To make the urine more alkaline (less acidic):
      • Adults and teenagers—At first, four grams, then 1 to 2 grams every four hours. However, the dose is usually not more than 16 grams a day.
      • Children—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 23 to 230 mg per kilogram (kg) (10.5 to 105 mg per pound) of body weight a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.