Sodium Bicarbonate

Question 1

Drug Classification

Answer 1

Alkalinizing agent/electrolyte

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Alkaline agent that buffers excess H+

H2O+CO2H2CO3H+ + HCO3-

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

• Onset of Action- 0 minutes (immediate)
• Peak Effects- <15 minutes
• Duration of Effects- 1-2 hours
• Half-Life- N/A

Question 4

Indications/Field Use

Answer 4

• metabolic acidosis secondary to overdose (ASA,TCA)

- Cardiac Arrest with known or suspected hyperkalemia (dialysis pt)

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Respiratory Acidosis

Question 6

Side Effects

Answer 6

None in emergency setting

Question 7

Dose

Answer 7

1 mEq/kg (initial) IV/IO

mEq=milliequivalent, is the unit of measure for electrolytes

Question 8

Precautions

Answer 8

Causes metabolic alkalosis when administered in large quantities

Question 9

Drug-Drug interactions

Answer 9

• Deactivates catecholamines and vasopressors

- Reacts with CaCl2 to form PPT(in IV tubing)