NATRIUMHYDROGENCARBONAT B.Braun 8.4% glass, 100 ml

Instructions for use of sodium bicarbonate 8.4% infusion solution

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% infusion solution is a medicine that is used to correct hyperacidification of the blood (metabolic acidosis) and to increase the pH of the urine (urinary alkalinization).Urinary alkalinization may be necessary in cases of poisoning with weak organic acids such as barbiturates or acetylsalicylic acid, to improve the solubility of certain medications such as methotrexate or sulfonamides, and in cases of breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).

No prescription is required for this product.

Active ingredient and composition

The active ingredient in sodium bicarbonate 8.4% infusion solution is sodium bicarbonate.1000 ml of the infusion solution contains 84.0 g sodium bicarbonate.The other ingredients are sodium edetate (Ph. Eur.) 50 mg and water for injections.The solution contains electrolytes: sodium ion 1000 mmol/l and hydrogen carbonate ion 1000 mmol/l.The theoretical osmolarity is 2000 mOsm/l and the pH is between 7.0 and 8.5.

Application and dosage

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% solution for infusion is administered intravenously by a doctor or nurse.The dosage depends on the extent of the disruption to the acid-base status and is determined individually.When correcting metabolic acidosis, the dosage can be calculated using the following formula: ml 1 molar sodium bicarbonate 8.4% = base deficit (-BE) x kg body weight x 0.3.

In children and newborns, the dosage is also determined individually, with special care being taken to avoid high sodium concentrations in the blood and other side effects.The maximum infusion rate should not exceed approximately 1.5 ml of sodium bicarbonate 8.4% per kg of body weight and hour.

Contraindications and precautions

Sodium hydrogen carbonate 8.4% infusion solution must not be used if there is an excess of alkali in the blood (alkalosis), a low potassium level in the blood (hypokalemia) and an increased sodium level in the blood (hypernatremia).Particular caution is required in cases of slow breathing, low blood calcium levels, conditions with increased salt concentration in the blood and certain diseases such as heart failure, fluid accumulation in the tissues, pulmonary edema, hypertension, eclampsia and severe renal impairment.

Controls of serum electrolytes, fluid balance and acid-base status are necessary.The intake of sodium bicarbonate 8.4% can lead to a high load of sodium and fluid.Alkalinizing therapy can reduce potassium levels in the blood below normal levels.Before therapy, any potassium or calcium deficiency should be compensated for.

Side effects

Like all medicines, sodium bicarbonate 8.4% infusion solution can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.Possible side effects include increased sodium levels in the blood (hypernatremia) and excessive salt levels in the blood.If accidentally administered next to the vein (paravenous), tissue destruction (necrosis) can occur.

Storage

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% infusion solution should be kept out of the reach of children and should not be used after the expiry date stated on the carton and container.The solution should not be stored below room temperature.Any crystals can be dissolved by heating.For one-time withdrawal!Discard the rest!To be used only if the container is intact and the solution is clear.

More information

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% solution for infusion is a clear, colorless, aqueous solution supplied in 100 ml or 250 ml glass bottles.The pharmaceutical entrepreneur and manufacturer is B. Braun Melsungen AG, Carl-Braun-Straße 1, 34212 Melsungen.

This leaflet was last revised in March 2011.

For information about risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.