Drugs & Vitamins

Bell-Ans Active Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate Representative Names: Bell-Ans, Soda Mint Available Product Images: What are sodium bicarbonate tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with sodium bicarbonate? What side effects may I notice from taking sodium bicarbonate? What should I watch for while taking sodium bicarbonate? Where can I keep my medicine? What are sodium bicarbonate tablets? (Back to top) SODIUM BICARBONATE (Soda Mint®) can neutralize or reduce acids in the stomach, blood, or urine. Sodium bicarbonate can relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn caused by too much acid in the stomach. Sodium bicarbonate can also be used to make urine less acid. Generic sodium bicarbonate tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •Cushing's syndrome (secretion of too much cortisol) •dehydration •heart problems •high level of bicarbonate in plasma •hyperventilation •kidney disease •low blood levels of calcium or potassium •ulcers in the esophagus (tube leading from the throat to the stomach) •an unusual or allergic reaction to sodium bicarbonate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take sodium bicarbonate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Suck or chew the tablets, or swallow with a drink of water. Take the tablets after meals for indigestion or heartburn. Do not take more than the recommended dose. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you are taking these tablets regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule. Unless prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional for regular use, these tablets are taken on an "as needed" basis. What drug(s) may interact with sodium bicarbonate? (Back to top) •aspirin and aspirin-like medicines •chlorpropamide •ciprofloxacin •dextroamphetamine •ephedrine •hormones such as prednisone or cortisone •ketoconazole •lithium •pseudoephedrine •quinidine •tetracycline antibiotics Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking sodium bicarbonate? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion •dizziness •muscle pain •seizures (convulsions) •swelling of the feet and legs •trembling •unusual weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •bloating and stomach gas •increased thirst •stomach cramps What should I watch for while taking sodium bicarbonate? (Back to top) Unless your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed sodium bicarbonate for you, only take it for occasional relief. Do not take sodium bicarbonate regularly for more than 2 weeks, or if symptoms keep coming back; check with your prescriber or health care professional about a suitable antacid for regular use. Take sodium bicarbonate tablets with caution if you are on a low-sodium diet as they contain a large amount of sodium. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:01/22/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.