Shop products for Sodium Bicarbonate 
Combination drugs: Alka-Seltzer®, Birley®, Bismag®, Bisodol Extra Strong Mint Tablets®, Bisodol Heartburn Relief Tablets®, Bisodol Indigestion Relief Powder®, Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets®, Bisodol Wind Relief Tablets®, Boots Indigestion Tablets®, De Witt’s Antacid Powder®, Gaviscon 250 Tablets®, Opas®, Roter®
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is used as an antacid for short-term relief of stomach upset, to correct acidosis in kidney disorders, to make the urine alkaline during bladder infections, and to minimize uric acid crystallization during gout treatment. A prescription sodium bicarbonate product is given by injection to treat metabolic acidosis and some drug intoxications. Sodium bicarbonate is available as a nonprescription drug alone (sodium bicarbonate tablets) or in combination with other nonprescription drugs for short-term treatment of various conditions to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Folic acid Iron* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
| Adverse interaction |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Folic acid
Folic acid is needed by the body to utilise vitamin B12.
Antacids, including sodium bicarbonate, inhibit folic acid absorption.1 People
taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.
Iron
In a study of nine healthy people, sodium bicarbonate administered with 10 mg of iron led to
lower iron levels compared to iron administered alone.2 This interaction may be
avoided by taking sodium bicarbonate-containing products two hours before or after
iron-containing supplements.
References
1. Russell RM, Golner BB, Krasinski SD, et al. Effect of antacid and H2 receptor antagonists on the intestinal absorption of folic acid. J Lab Clin Med 1988;112:458–63.
2. O’Neil-Cutting MA, Crosby WH. The effect of antacids on the absorption of simultaneously ingested iron. JAMA 1986;255:1468–70.
