Sodium bicarbonate

Antacid
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Sodium bicarbonate is a antacid found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Eno. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: baking soda

What it is used for

Quickly neutralises stomach acid.

How it works

Baking soda. It neutralises stomach acid quickly and is also used to make urine less acidic.

How to take it

Dissolve in water and take as directed for short-term relief; not for regular long-term use.

Common side effects

  • Burping
  • Bloating
  • Wind

Get medical help straight away if

  • Swelling of the legs or breathlessness (salt load)
  • Muscle twitching or confusion
  • Severe stomach pain after a big meal

Be careful

High in salt; avoid with high BP, heart or kidney disease.

Other medicines and interactions

High sodium: take care with heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Can change how other medicines are absorbed or excreted.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid regular use in pregnancy because of the salt load; occasional use is generally fine.

Combination medicines that contain Sodium bicarbonate (1)

Eno

Common questions

What is Sodium bicarbonate used for?

Quickly neutralises stomach acid.

How does Sodium bicarbonate work?

Baking soda. It neutralises stomach acid quickly and is also used to make urine less acidic.

How should I take Sodium bicarbonate?

Dissolve in water and take as directed for short-term relief; not for regular long-term use.

What are the side effects of Sodium bicarbonate?

Common: Burping, bloating, wind. Get help straight away for: Swelling of the legs or breathlessness (salt load), muscle twitching or confusion, severe stomach pain after a big meal.

Does Sodium bicarbonate interact with other medicines?

High sodium: take care with heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Can change how other medicines are absorbed or excreted.

Is Sodium bicarbonate safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoid regular use in pregnancy because of the salt load; occasional use is generally fine.

Does Sodium bicarbonate need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Sodium bicarbonate?

Eno.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.