Sodium Bicarbonate

Trade name

Sodium Bicarbonate (Phebra)

84 mg/mL = 8.4% (volume: 10 mL, 100 mL)

Equivalent to 1 mmol of sodium and 1 mmol of bicarbonate per mL.

Administer preferably via a central line.

Peripheral line: Dilute to 0.1 mmol/mL or weaker.

Central line: Dilute to 0.2 mmol/mL or weaker.

Give over at least 4 hours at a maximum rate of 1 mmol/kg/hour.

In emergency situations, and under the supervision of a specialist:

Patients less than 2 years of age: Dilute to 0.5 mmol/mL with glucose 5%, sodium chloride 0.9% or water for injections and give over 30 minutes.

Maximum rate: 10 mmol/minute.

Patients equal to or greater than 2 years of age: Give undiluted by slow IV injection.

IM: Not recommended.

SC: Suitable. Dilute 1 mL sodium bicarbonate 8.4% with 4.6 mL water for injections to make an isotonic solution (0.18 mmol/mL).

Glucose 5% is the preferred diluent. Dilution with sodium chloride 0.9% increases the sodium concentration.

Glucose 10%

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Y-site only:

Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L

Extravasation risk.

Monitor serum electrolytes closely; may cause hypokalaemia and hypernatraemia.

Rapid administration in children less than 2 years of age may cause hypernatraemia and intracranial haemorrhage.

Use with caution in renal patients due to risk of hypernatraemia.

Discard any unused vial contents.