When should sodium bicarbonate be given in acidosis?

NaHCO3 is indicated for severe metabolic acidosis with pH <7.1, especially in hyperchloremic/non-AG acidosis, hyperkalemia with acidosis, or aspirin poisoning.

What is the formula for bicarbonate deficit?

Bicarb deficit (mEq) = 0.4 × weight (kg) × (desired HCO3 - actual HCO3). Typical target is 15 mEq/L, not full correction, to avoid overcorrection.

What are the risks of sodium bicarbonate therapy?

Risks include hypernatremia, volume overload, paradoxical CSF acidosis, calcium precipitation (avoid with calcium salts), and metabolic alkalosis from overcorrection.

Bicarbonate Deficit Calculator

Calculate bicarbonate deficit for sodium bicarbonate dosing in severe metabolic acidosis (bicarb deficit = 0.4 × weight × (target HCO3 - actual HCO3)).

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should sodium bicarbonate be given in acidosis?

What is the formula for bicarbonate deficit?

What are the risks of sodium bicarbonate therapy?