Changes to sodium bicarbonate liquid

Patients who obtain sodium bicarbonate liquid through Nottingham University Hospitals will have two options for what to use:

1. Opening the 500 mg capsules (containing 6 mmol bicarbonate and 6 mmol of sodium) and dispersing the contents in water
2. A 1 mmol/ml oral solution from an alternative manufacturer. Mandeville medicines

The sodium bicarbonate 1 mmol/ml oral solution has the following disadvantages:

1. Once opened the bottle has a 7 day expiry and must be stored in the fridge
2. Does not come with a children resistant closure
3. Contains a preservative (Disodium Edetate 0.01%)

The disadvantages of this liquid mean that for many of our patients we will recommend the opening capsules method including for those who are tube fed. This may mean some doses need to be rounded to a multiple of 6 mmol.

The capsules should not be chewed. The capsules should be opened and contents mixed with water (milk or juice are acceptable if appropriate) or a small amount of soft food.

More information can be found on the Medicines for Children website.

If you require further information please contact Peter Foxon, Paediatric Renal Pharmacist at Nottingham Children's Hospital on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..