Sodium Bicarbonate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 4, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, is a common ingredient in effervescent powders and tablets. It is used with an acidic agent, such as citric or tartaric acid, to cause a reaction that produces carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon dioxide leads to the resultant fizzing of the effervescent powder, such as seen with Alka-Seltzer.[1]
Effervescent tablets and powders are widely used to deliver medicines contained antacids, pain medications, and cough or cold medicines. They dissolve quickly, are stable, convenient and easy to carry.[1]
All carbonate salts on the FDA generally regarded as safe list. There is no evidence in the available information on calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium sesquicarbonate that demonstrates or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect a hazard to the public when used at levels that are now current or that might reasonably be expected in the future.[2]
Some examples of medications containing Sodium Bicarbonate
- Aspirin 325 mg
- Aspirin Enteric Coated 81 mg
- Aspirin Enteric Coated 81 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 10 mg
- Binosto 70 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (XL) 300 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 500 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 250 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed-Release 500 mg
- Gentle Laxative bisacodyl 5 mg
- Rosuvastatin Calcium 10 mg
- Rosuvastatin Calcium 5 mg
- Rosuvastatin Calcium 20 mg
- Rosuvastatin Calcium 20 mg
- Rosuvastatin Calcium 10 mg
- Rosuvastatin Calcium 5 mg
- St. Joseph Safety Coated Aspirin 81 mg
- Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release 12.5 mg
- Zomig-ZMT 2.5 mg
References
- SPI Pharma. Excipients and Carriers. Effer-Soda Sodium bicarbonate. Accessed 8/19/2012. http://www.spipharma.com/default.asp?contentID=592
- FDA’s SCOGS database; carbonates; SCOGS-Report Number: 26; Accessed 8/17/2012. http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/GenerallyRecognizedasSafeGRAS/GRASSubstancesSCOGSDatabase/ucm260329.htm
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.