Children's Hospital is part of the UPMC family.
Our Sites
Be safe anytime, anywhere.
To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, please call 412-692-7337 or search our directory.
A resource for our network of referring physicians.
For more information about research, please call our main office at 412-692-6438.
Ranked #8 Nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Sodium bicarbonate also is known as baking soda.
Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat or prevent excess acid in the blood or urine, a condition affecting some children who have had a liver transplant. It also can reduce stomach acids, and therefore can be used as an antacid to treat heartburn or indigestion.
Sodium bicarbonate can be injected or taken by mouth. It is available as a solution for injection, in powder form, or as tablets.
Sodium bicarbonate can be taken with or without food. People who are using this medication should avoid large amounts of dairy products, which can increase the chance of experiencing side effects.
If your child misses a dose of sodium bicarbonate, it should be taken as soon as you or your child remembers. If you remember within two hours of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your child’s usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Sodium bicarbonate side effects include: gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. Some people report headaches or nausea, and may feel irritable.
Rare side effects of sodium bicarbonate include:
If your child has trouble with any of these side effects, inform your transplant doctor or transplant coordinator.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medication your child is taking, so you can be warned of undesirable interactions and prevent them.
Do not take sodium bicarbonate within two hours of taking tacrolimus (Prograf, FK506®). Watch your child’s salt intake, since this medication has high sodium content.
Sodium bicarbonate is readily available at most pharmacies.
Learn more about other Intestine Transplant Drugs.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With MyCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.