Home/Medicines/Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate

Prescription

Alkalinizing agent / Electrolyte

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Dissociates to provide bicarbonate ions that buffer hydrogen ions, raising blood and urine pH; corrects metabolic acidosis and alkalinizes urine to promote excretion of certain toxins

At a glance

Class

Alkalinizing agent / Electrolyte

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization, hyperkalemia

Dose

0.5–2 mEq/kg

Route

IV (slow)

Frequency

Based on acid-base status; over 15–30 min

Max dose

0 mEq

Duration: Until acidosis corrected; guided by blood gas

🐈

Cat

Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization

Dose

0.5–1 mEq/kg

Route

IV (slow)

Frequency

Based on acid-base status

Max dose

0 mEq

Duration: Until acidosis corrected

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 2

Strength

7.5% (0.892 mEq/mL)

Available in India

Strength

8.4% (1 mEq/mL)

Available in India

Storage

Below 30°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis

Use with caution

Hypocalcemia
Alkalosis decreases ionized calcium, may worsen tetany
Volume overload / congestive heart failure
High sodium content

Adverse effects

Common

Metabolic alkalosis (over-correction)

Hypokalemia

Serious

Paradoxical CNS acidosis

Hypocalcemic tetany

Hypernatremia

Monitoring parameters

Arterial blood gasSerum electrolytes (K+, Na+, Ca++)Urine pH

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Calcium Gluconate

major

Mixing sodium bicarbonate with calcium-containing solutions causes precipitation of insoluble calcium carbonate, clogging IV lines.

Management: NEVER mix in same IV line or bag. Flush line thoroughly between infusions. Use separate IV access if both needed simultaneously.

Moderate — 1

Potassium Citrate

moderate

Both alkalinize urine. Combined excessive alkalinization promotes calcium phosphate urolithiasis and metabolic alkalosis.

Management: Monitor urine pH and blood gas. Avoid over-alkalinization.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Sodium Bicarbonate Injection

Various

India

Sodium Bicarbonate

Claris Lifesciences

Soda Bicarb

Neon Laboratories

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Sodium Bicarbonate is a alkalinizing agent / electrolyte used in pets. Dissociates to provide bicarbonate ions that buffer hydrogen ions, raising blood and urine pH; corrects metabolic acidosis and alkalinizes urine to promote excretion of certain toxins

›What is Sodium Bicarbonate used for in pets?

Sodium Bicarbonate is used in veterinary medicine for: Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization, hyperkalemia; Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization.

›What is the Sodium Bicarbonate dose for dogs?

For dogs, Sodium Bicarbonate is typically dosed as follows — Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization, hyperkalemia: 0.5–2 mEq/kg IV (slow) Based on acid-base status; over 15–30 min. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Sodium Bicarbonate dose for cats?

For cats, Sodium Bicarbonate is typically dosed as follows — Metabolic acidosis, urinary alkalinization: 0.5–1 mEq/kg IV (slow) Based on acid-base status. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate?

Common: Metabolic alkalosis (over-correction), Hypokalemia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Paradoxical CNS acidosis, Hypocalcemic tetany, Hypernatremia.

›Does Sodium Bicarbonate need a prescription?

Yes. Sodium Bicarbonate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Sodium Bicarbonate not be used?

Do not use Sodium Bicarbonate if: Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis.

Educational reference only

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 8

Monensin sodium premix

M/s Srinivas Biologicals Curewel · Approved 1985- September

Coccidiosis in the treatment of coccidiosis in chicken and hens.

Cephacetrile sodium intra mammary infusion

M/s Ciba geigy trends pharma · Approved 13.05.1992

Mastitis caused by streptococcus agalactial str dysgalactial str Uberis str Aureus Both penicillin sensitive and resista

Diclofenac sodium injection

M/s S.G Pharmaceuticals ·

for veterinary use

Sulphachloropyrazine sodium 30%

M/s Hindustan Ciba geigy ltd · Approved 18.10.1993

for veterinary use

Cloxacillin Sodium + Colistine Sulphate intramammmary infusion

M/s Intas Pharma · Approved 04.03.1998

Semduramicin sodium 5% premix

M/s Pfizer Ltd · Approved 04.03.1998

for veterinary use

Each Vial contains Sterile Morepenam IP eq. to Anhydrous Sterile Morepenam IP eq

M/s. GMH Organics · Approved 13.02.2015

For the treatment of lower respiratory tract infection caused by gram negative bacteria in adults only.

Sodium Salicylate IP (Eq. to Salicylic acid IP 0.86% w/w) 1.0% w/w + Zinc Glucon

M/s. Gopaldas & Vishramdas · Approved 08.06.2015

For the treatment & control of keratoseborrhea in dogs and cats

Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database