Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used as a pH buffering agent, an electrolyte replenisher, systemic alkalizer and in topical cleansing solutions.
Indication
Sodium bicarbonate is used for the treatment of metabolic acidosis which may occur in severe renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory insufficiency due to shock or severe dehydration, extracorporeal circulation of blood, cardiac arrest and severe primary lactic acidosis. Also is indicated in severe diarrhea which is often accompanied by a significant loss of bicarbonate. Further indicated in the treatment of certain drug intoxications, including barbiturates (where dissociation of the barbiturateprotein complex is desired), in poisoning by salicylates or methyl alcohol and in hemolytic reactions requiring alkalinization of the urine to diminish nephrotoxicity of blood pigments.
Pharmacology
Intravenous sodium bicarbonate therapy increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, raises blood pH and reverses the clinical manifestations of acidosis.
Application Sodium bicarbonate is the most common buffer used in standard cell culture media and reagents. Additionally, most cells require carbonate ions for certain metabolic functions. Dry powder media is not typically manufactured with sodium bicarbonate because it may cause the media to clump over time. During liquid medium preparation, sodium bicarbonate can be added as a sterile solution or as a powder prior to filtration.
Application Sodium bicarbonate is broadly used as a physiological buffer in cell culture applications. The pKa for bicarbonate <-> carbonic acid reaction is 6.4 The pKa for bicarbonate <-> carbonate reaction is 10.3. Sodum bicarbonate has two pKas, 6.4 and 10.3. It is broadly used as an physiological buffer in in vitro applications.