How do you prepare a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) infusion?

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Last updated: March 20, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

To prepare a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) infusion, mix 150 mEq of sodium bicarbonate in 1 liter of solution, which can be infused at a rate of 1–3 mL∙kg−1∙h−1, while monitoring for potential complications such as hypernatremia, alkalemia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia.

Preparation Details

When preparing the infusion, it's crucial to consider the concentration of the sodium bicarbonate solution. According to the guidelines 1, different concentrations are typically used for adults (1 mEq/mL) and children (0.5 mEq/mL), and both formulations are hypertonic.

Key Considerations

  • The infusion rate should be titrated based on the patient's acid-base status and clinical response.
  • Monitoring for complications such as hypernatremia, alkalemia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia is essential.
  • The preparation and administration of sodium bicarbonate infusion should be guided by local protocols and in consultation with a medical or clinical toxicologist when necessary.

Clinical Context

In clinical practice, sodium bicarbonate infusions are used in specific scenarios such as the management of patients with cardiac arrest or life-threatening toxicity due to poisoning, including sodium channel blockers and cocaine toxicity 1. The goal is to improve the patient's hemodynamics and correct acidosis concurrently, especially in critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis and hypotension.

From the FDA Drug Label

Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, hypertonic solution of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in water for injection for administration by the intravenous route as an electrolyte replenisher and systemic alkalizer. The solutions contain no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and are intended only for use as a single-dose injection, the approximate pH of the solutions is 8. When smaller doses are required, the unused portion should be discarded.

The FDA drug label does not provide specific instructions on how to prepare a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) infusion.

From the Research

Preparation of Sodium Bicarbonate Infusion

To prepare a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) infusion, the following steps can be considered:

  • The concentration of the sodium bicarbonate solution can be prepared as 1.3% sodium bicarbonate in half-normal saline solution, as used in a study published in 2016 2.
  • The solution can be administered through a peripheral intravenous line, as demonstrated in a study on 3% saline administration during pediatric critical care transport in 2011 3.
  • It is essential to monitor the patient's acid-base and hemodynamic status before and after the infusion, including parameters such as pH, base excess, bicarbonate, sodium, and potassium levels, as well as mean arterial pressure and heart rate 2.
  • The infusion rate and dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's specific needs and clinical condition, taking into account the potential risks and benefits of sodium bicarbonate administration, as discussed in a review published in 2024 4.

Considerations for Administration

When administering a sodium bicarbonate infusion, the following considerations should be taken into account:

  • The potential for precipitation when mixing sodium bicarbonate with other solutions, as observed in a laboratory evaluation of local anesthetic solutions in 1989 5.
  • The risk of paradoxical respiratory acidosis, intracellular acidosis, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, alkalosis, and other adverse effects associated with excessive sodium bicarbonate administration, as discussed in a review published in 2024 4.
  • The importance of monitoring serum electrolytes, vital signs, and acid-base status to ensure safe and effective administration of the infusion, as demonstrated in studies published in 2011 3 and 1985 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.