SODIUM BICARBONATE

Posology Adults and Children The volume, strength and rate of infusion will depend upon the requirements of the individual patients as perceived by the physician. Administration should be effected cautiously and gradually. In the less urgent forms of metabolic acidosis, an average dose for adults and older children is 2 – 5 mmol of bicarbonate per Kg bodyweight, given over 4 - 8 hours.

Subsequent doses of sodium bicarbonate should be adjusted to the individual patients’ requirements. It is generally recommended that administration should be initiated with half the calculated dose, which may be adjusted subject to satisfactory blood gas analysis.

Elderly Care should be taken to avoid circulatory overload, particularly in, patients with cardiac and renal insufficiency. Method of administration For intravenous infusion.

Thrombosis of the chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusion. Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.

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Infusion of sodium bicarbonate solutions must be strictly intravenous, since extravasation may lead to tissue necrosis. Administration to patients receiving cardio- pulmonary resuscitation may induce pulmonary oedema. Careful attention should be given to avoid possible hypokalaemia.

The label states:

Do not use unless solution is clear and free from particles.

1. Intravenous infusions of sodium bicarbonate may be contraindicated in, patients with hypertension, impaired renal and cardiac function, pulmonary oedema, respiratory and metabolic alkalosis, hyperventilation, hypernatraemia and eclampsia.