Sodium bicarbonate is a well-known drinking soda that is used in everyday life for making dough, cleansing fat from metal surfaces, and sometimes even for medical purposes as a neutralizer of acid burns and a remedy for eliminating heartburn. But official medicine uses it as a medicine.
pharmachologic effect
This substance perfectly neutralizes acids, turning them into salt and water, so sodium bicarbonate is used to eliminate heartburn. Instructions for use, in principle, are not needed for such a case, since any person living in the post-Soviet space knows what needs to be done.
Another pharmacological property is sputum depression. Which of us did not breathe in childhood over a pot of boiled potatoes sprinkled with baking soda? Of course, now it is more civilized, there are nebulizers through which moistened warm steam with sodium bicarbonate is supplied, the patient can only inhale.
Indications
Based on the first paragraph, it is logical to assume for what diseases sodium bicarbonate is used. The instruction for use states that these are:
- hyperacid gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by its excessively acidic contents);
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- inflammatory diseases of the lower respiratory tract, accompanied by profuse discharge of sputum.
Dosage and administration
"Sodium bicarbonate" is a powder, the instructions for use indicate doses in grams, but usually patients calculate them by eye based on the volume of a dessert or coffee spoon. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to take a dose of half to one and a half grams inside at a time. They can and should be dissolved in warm water or swallowed in a dry form, abundantly washed down with cold water.
As an expectorant, it is used in the form of potions. "Sodium bicarbonate-Eskom", the instructions for use which separately stipulates the use of the drug for the treatment of diseases of ENT organs, indicates that it is necessary to make a weak (0.5-2%) solution and rinse it with the nasal cavity, mouth or larynx in the presence of inflammatory diseases .
In addition, there are forms of release in suppositories against seasickness. But it is most effective to treat it using sodium bicarbonate intravenously. Instructions for use say that you need to pour it at a speed of 50-60 drops per minute every three days. For one injection, one hundred forty to two hundred milliliters of a 4% solution is used, counting at 2 ml per kilogram of body weight. If motion sickness is severe, then spend from five to seven sessions. With moderate severity, three to four is sufficient. They are carried out before going into the open sea to people susceptible to motion sickness.
Another indication is metabolic acidosis, and "Sodium bicarbonate" (solution) is also used with it. The instruction for use states that it should be 4% (3% and 5% are possible), it is necessary to enter in the form of enemas, orally or intravenously. The dose is selected according to the severity of the manifestations of acidosis and is adjusted in the process of emergency care.
Special recommendations
The continuous intake of
baking soda is not recommended due to a systemic violation of the acid-base state, alkalization of urine and an increased risk of the formation of phosphate stones. Short-term use does not have any negative consequences, but people with chronic renal failure should use "Sodium bicarbonate" with caution. Instructions for use warns that the condition of such patients may worsen.
If a person against the background of gastritis also has vomiting, then it should be remembered that chlorine ions are lost along with the liquid, therefore, the alkalization of the internal environment is enhanced. In addition, with abundant and frequent intake of baking soda, a large amount of carbon dioxide is formed in the stomach, which can cause perforation of the organ wall at the point of thinning (gastritis, ulcer).
Patients with heart disease are not recommended to use Sodium Bicarbonate. The instruction for use notes that an increase in the number of sodium ions is possible, which leads to the progression of heart failure and systemic edema.
Contraindications
As for any other product, for baking soda there are also restrictions on the use, namely:
- allergic reactions;
- chronic conditions that provoke alkalosis (alkalization);
- decreased blood calcium levels (increased risk of seizures);
- lower chlorine levels.
Another important contraindication is poisoning with strong acids. Of course, alkalis neutralize acids, turning it into salt and water, then if alkalization is not strong enough, this will only aggravate the damage and lead to a strong shift in the acid-base balance.
Side effects
With long-term use, symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, and nausea are observed. Perhaps the appearance of vomiting and pain in the epigastric region, flatulence. The characteristic signs of anxiety, insomnia, headaches, increased blood pressure, and sometimes even cramps are a manifestation of developing alkalosis. In rare, especially neglected cases, it cannot be stopped.
Release form
In the pharmacy network, sodium bicarbonate is sold as a 4% solution for injection in sealed ampoules of 20 milliliters each. You can also find suppositories (candles) containing 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 grams, respectively. The tablets have the same dosage of the active substance.
This article is not a recommendation for action. If you feel unwell or know that you have a chronic illness, please do not try to treat yourself, consult a doctor. This will preserve your health and quality of life. Be healthy!