bicarb

Medical abbreviation · Drug

bicarb
Stands forSodium bicarbonate
CategoriesMedical

bicarb stands for Sodium bicarbonate, a drug abbreviation.

Alkalinizing drug given IV for severe metabolic acidosis, sodium-channel-blocker overdoses such as tricyclic antidepressants, some cases of hyperkalemia and urine alkalinization. It is also taken orally as an antacid and for chronic kidney disease acidosis.

Example: Wide QRS after TCA ingestion: bicarb 1 mEq/kg IV push, repeat until QRS narrows.

Usage notes

Standard 8.4% syringes contain 50 mEq in 50 mL (1 mEq/mL), a hypertonic solution that can injure tissue if it leaks. Routine bicarbonate during cardiac arrest is no longer recommended. Chemically it is NaHCO3, and in the kitchen it is baking soda.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.