Drug Name:IV Bicarbonate
Drug Class:Alkalinizing agent
Mechanism of Action:
  • Increases blood pH by buffering excess hydrogen ions
  • Increases serum bicarbonate levels
Use:
  • Treatment of metabolic acidosis
  • Management of certain drug toxicities (e.g. salicylate overdose)
Side Effects:
  • Metabolic alkalosis
  • Hypokalemia
  • Hypernatremia
  • Fluid overload
Contraindications:
  • Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Hypercapnia
Specialty:
  • Emergency medicine
  • Critical care
  • Nephrology