sodium bicarbonate, a common salt (baking soda). Sodium is the most important cation in the extracellular fluid, and bicarbonate is the most import buffer in the body. Also called sodium acid carbonate. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of metabolic acidosis, gastric hyperacidity, and hyperkalemia to alkalinize the urine as part of the treatment for certain poisonings. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, severe pulmonary edema, and abdominal pain of unknown cause prohibit its use. It should be administered in cardiac arrest only when there is documented metabolic acidosis of hyperkalemia. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are tetany, gastric distension, acid rebound, bicarbonate-induced alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia.
