MedicinePOM

Sodium Bicarbonate

An injection used to correct too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis).

Clinical information

Common uses

severe metabolic acidosis, e.g. cardiac arrest, shock
certain poisonings (barbiturates, salicylates, methyl alcohol)
severe diarrhoea with bicarbonate loss

Common side effects

metabolic alkalosis if given too aggressively
high blood sodium
tissue damage if it leaks from the vein

Cautions

use with great care in heart failure or kidney disease
can cause fluid overload and pulmonary oedema
not for people losing chloride by vomiting or suction

Interactions

norepinephrine and dobutamine — incompatible in solution
calcium-containing solutions — avoid mixing

Pregnancy: only if clearly needed

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, sodium bicarbonate injection label, setid 3737e5e5-2296-4a3d-b8f1-dfea1eff1927 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations7

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Bibag 5008/ Fresenius Medical Care	Parenteral ( Infusion- Powder for concentrate for solution )	100% /650g	authorized importers after registration of the product	POM
Nahco3 ( Bibag 4008 )	Concentrated Solution	100% / 650g	authorized medicine importers	POM
Nahco3 ( Bibag 5008 )	Concentrated Solution	100% / 650g	authorized medicine importers	POM
Sodium Bicarbonate	Parenteral ( Injection )	7.5% w/v	authorized medicine importers	POM
Sodium Bicarbonate	Parenteral ( Injection )	7.5% w/v	—	POM
Sodium Bicarbonate	Parenteral ( Injection )	0.014	—	POM
Sodium Bicarbonate	Tablet	500 mg	—	POM