Sodium Bicarbonate Drug Card (Paramedic)

Questions and Answers

What class is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Systemic Hydrogen Ion Buffer, Alkalizing Agent.

What is Sodium Bicarbonate's mechanism of action?

Buffers metabolic acidosis and lactic acid buildup by reacting with hydrogen ions to form water and carbon dioxide.

What are the indications for Sodium Bicarbonate?

Metabolic acidosis during cardiac arrest, overdose on tricyclic antidepressants, aspirin, phenobarbital, hyperkalemia, and crush injuries.

What are the contraindications for Sodium Bicarbonate?

Metabolic and respiratory alkalosis, hypokalemia, and electrolyte imbalance due to severe vomiting or diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse reactions/side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate?

Seizures, fluid retention, hypokalemia, electrolyte imbalance, tetany, sodium retention, peripheral edema, hypernatremia, metabolic alkalosis, tissue sloughing, cellulitis, or necrosis at the injection site. Signup and view all the answers

What are the drug interactions for Sodium Bicarbonate?

Increases the effects of amphetamines, decreases the effects of benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants, may deactivate sympathomimetics. Signup and view all the answers

How is Sodium Bicarbonate supplied?

1 mEq/mL of an 8.4% solution in 10- and 50-mL vials, 0.5 mEq/mL of a 4.2% solution in 2.5-, 5-, and 10-mL prefilled syringes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dosage and administration of Sodium Bicarbonate for an adult?

1 mEq/kg slow IV, IO push, repeat at 0.5 mEq/kg every 10 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of action for Sodium Bicarbonate?

Onset is seconds, peak effect is 1-2 minutes, duration is 10 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What are some special considerations for Sodium Bicarbonate?

Pregnancy safety category C, repeat as needed in tricyclic antidepressant overdose until QRS narrows, must be used with effective ventilation and chest compressions in cardiac arrest, avoid contact with other medications, flush IV line before and after injection, use caution in patients with CHF and renal disease. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sodium Bicarbonate Overview

Class: Systemic Hydrogen Ion Buffer and Alkalizing Agent.

Mechanism of Action

Buffers metabolic acidosis and lactic acid buildup by reacting with hydrogen ions to produce water and carbon dioxide.
Effective in counteracting anaerobic metabolism secondary to severe hypoxia.

Indications for Use

Administer during metabolic acidosis associated with cardiac arrest.
Used in cases of tricyclic antidepressant, aspirin, and phenobarbital overdoses.
Treatment for hyperkalemia and crush injuries.

Contraindications

Avoid use in metabolic or respiratory alkalosis.
Do not use in patients with hypokalemia or electrolyte imbalances due to severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Possible seizures, fluid retention, and hypokalemia.
Risk of electrolyte imbalances, tetany, sodium retention, peripheral edema, and hypernatremia.
May lead to metabolic alkalosis and tissue complications such as sloughing, cellulitis, or necrosis at the injection site.

Drug Interactions

Increases the effects of amphetamines.
Decreases the effectiveness of benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants.
May deactivate sympathomimetics like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Supply Forms

Supplied as 1 mEq/mL in an 8.4% solution available in 10- and 50-mL vials or prefilled syringes.
Also available as 0.5 mEq/mL in a 4.2% solution in 2.5-, 5-, and 10-mL prefilled syringes.

Dosage and Administration

Administer 1 mEq/kg via slow IV or IO push; may repeat at 0.5 mEq/kg every 10 minutes as needed.

Duration of Action

Onset of action is within seconds; peak effect occurs in 1 to 2 minutes.
Duration of action lasts approximately 10 minutes.

Special Considerations

Pregnancy safety category: C.
In tricyclic antidepressant overdose, repeat dosing until QRS narrows.
Must be used alongside effective ventilation and chest compressions in cardiac arrest scenarios.
Avoid mixing with other medications to prevent precipitation or inactivation.
Important to flush the IV line thoroughly before and after administration.
Use caution in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and renal disease due to high sodium concentration.
Monitor closely for signs of fluid overload.

Description

Test your knowledge of Sodium Bicarbonate with this quiz designed for paramedic students. Learn about its classification, mechanism of action, and therapeutic uses in managing metabolic acidosis. Perfect for quick revision before exams!