Warnings
Sodium Bicarbonate Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Sodium bicarbonate can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options if you are at an increased risk of adverse reactions or complications from this medication. Some of the risks of taking sodium bicarbonate include:
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Precautions Before Starting Sodium Bicarbonate
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients in sodium bicarbonate formulations.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid drug interactions between sodium bicarbonate and your other medications.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Sodium bicarbonate may not be right for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, stomach bleeding, congestive heart failure, or kidney disease.
Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breast-feeding.
Precautions During Use of Sodium Bicarbonate
Call your healthcare provider if you do not get relief from heartburn symptoms after taking over-the-counter sodium bicarbonate for 2 weeks.
Sodium Bicarbonate Drug Interactions
Other drugs can affect how sodium bicarbonate works. Possible interactions with other medications can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Some of the medications that can have interactions with sodium bicarbonate include:
- Other antacids
- Aspirin and other medicines similar to aspirin
- Anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines
- Medications used to treat heart rhythm abnormalities, such as flecainide (Tambocor) and quinidine
- Antifungal agents like ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Psychiatric medications such as lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Antibiotics such as methenamine (Hiprex, Urex), tetracycline (Sumycin), and sulfa antibiotics
- Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate
- Vitamins
- Iron
Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and OTC medications.
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