ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/sodium-bicarbonate
US brand names:NaHCO3
Sodium Bicarbonate is dosed at 1–2 mEq/kg IV IV slowly over 15-30 min in dogs, per Fletcher DJ, Boller M, Brainard BM, et al. RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(s1):S102-S131. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00751.x; Drobatz KJ. Emergencies of the urogenital tract. Presented at: International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium; 2009. PMID: 41518235; Cooper E, Scansen BA. Chapter 122: Obstructive Uropathy. In: Bruyette D, ed. Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2020:1109-1122. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1189 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Provides bicarbonate ions to buffer hydrogen ions. Raises blood pH. Shifts potassium intracellularly. Alkalinizes urine.
Use cautiously — overshoot alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, decreased ionized calcium. Paradoxical CNS acidosis. Not routine in CPR. Monitor blood gases and electrolytes.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 1–2 mEq/kg | IV slowly over 15-30 min | Moderate | Fletcher DJ, Boller M, Brainard BM, et al. RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(s1):S102-S131. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00751.x; Drobatz KJ. Emergencies of the urogenital tract. Presented at: International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium; 2009. PMID: 41518235; Cooper E, Scansen BA. Chapter 122: Obstructive Uropathy. In: Bruyette D, ed. Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2020:1109-1122. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1189 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 1–2 mEq/kg | IV slowly |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Fletcher DJ, Boller M, Brainard BM, et al. RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(s1):S102-S131. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00751.x; Cooper E, Scansen BA. Chapter 122: Obstructive Uropathy. In: Bruyette D, ed. Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2020:1109-1122. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1189 (2026-08-01). |