Question 1

What is Sodium Bicarbonate used for?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Bicarbonate is indicated for: Severe metabolic acidosis, Severe metabolic acidosis (pH <7.1), Urinary alkalinization.

Question 2

What routes can Sodium Bicarbonate be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV, PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Sodium Bicarbonate dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Bicarbonate dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Sodium Bicarbonate a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Bicarbonate is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Sodium Bicarbonate?

Accepted Answer

Use cautiously — overshoot alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, decreased ionized calcium. Paradoxical CNS acidosis. Not routine in CPR. Monitor blood gases and electrolytes.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Sodium Bicarbonate: Use cautiously — overshoot alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, decreased ionized calcium. Paradoxical CNS acidosis. Not routine in CPR. Monitor blood gases and electrolytes.

Question 7

How does Sodium Bicarbonate work?

Accepted Answer

Provides bicarbonate ions to buffer hydrogen ions. Raises blood pH. Shifts potassium intracellularly. Alkalinizes urine.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	1–2 mEq/kg	IV slowly over 15-30 min	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	PO	25–50 mg/kg	q8-12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sodium Bicarbonate

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Sodium Bicarbonate dosing data (3 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Backed by a published source

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

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