Sodium Bicarbonate

Question 1

Generic and brand name of Sodium Bicarbonate

Answer 1

Sodium Bicarbonate (or just “Sodium bicarb” for short)

Question 2

Drug class of Sodium Bicarb

Answer 2

Systemic hydrogen ion buffer, alkalizing agent

Question 3

Sodium Bicarb’s mechanism of action

Answer 3

Buffers metabolic acidosis and lactic acid buildup in the body caused by anaerobic metabolism secondary to severe hypoxia by reacting with hydrogen ions to form water and carbon.

Question 4

Indications of Sodium Bicarb

Answer 4

Metabolic acidosis during cardiac arrest, tricyclic antidepressant, aspirin and phenobarbital overdose, hyperkalemia, crush injuries.

Question 5

Contraindication of Sodium Bicarb

Answer 5

Metabolic and respiratory alkalosis, hypokalemia, electrolyte imbalance due to severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Question 6

Adverse effects of Sodium Bicarb

Answer 6

Hypernatremia, metabolic alkalosis, tissue sloughing, cellulitis, or necrosis at injection site. Seizures, fluid retention, hypokalemia, electrolyte imbalance, tetany, sodium retention, peripheral edema.

Question 7

Precautions in using Sodium Bicarb

Answer 7

May deactivate sympathomimetics, Increases
Effects of amphetamines, decreases effects of
Benzodiazepines and TCA’s

Question 8

Adult dose and admin of Sodium Bicarb

Answer 8

1 mEq/kg slow IV/IO push

Question 9

May repeat admin of Sodium Bicarb at ____ mins at ____ meq/kg

Answer 9

May repeat at 10 minutes at 0.5 meq/kg

Question 10

Pediatric dose and admin of Sodium Bicarb

Answer 10

1 mEq/kg slow IV/IO push