Antacids related

[JB1969]

Is it necessary that CKD patient take sodium bicar or citrate to prevent metabolic acidosis. My father takes 2000 mg per day. In addition to PPI ( in case of acid reflux, ulcers). Is he taking too many antacid ? He is stage 3 CKD with lot of gastric issues. I am curious to know. Will be awesome if you share your views. Many thanks - Jubi

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Jb,

It depends on what they doctor said. Is his acid levels high? Was this dosage prescribed for him?

I take sodium citrate to lower mine and it works great.

[JB1969 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hello,

Dad's acid level as per his last blood work is 6. Yes the doctor prescribed his 2000 mg sodium bicarbonate. I think this is causing him the irritation in his gut. From now onwards Dad will check his PH level at regularly. This will help monitor. We will most certainly take it up with the doctor. I have noticed both the doctors - NEP and GASTRIC, they are not forthcoming and refer to each other. May be they don't care because Dad is 83 now. I feel sad at times. I make it a point to ask questions. And I am gaining a lot of knowledge for me to go back and ask questions. Thanks again.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Metabolic acidosis is no laughing matter. I am in stage 5 on dialysis nearly 18 years and take twice that on dialysis days. I was using a bicarb based dialysate and now using a lactate based which did put me into metabolic acidosis for about 4-6 months. Without the sodium bicarb I shudder to think of what may have occurred. Have you discussed this with the physician? That would definitely be my first response. Write a list of his meds and all your questions and get in to speak with the doc asap. Better to get real answers from the source. Blessings

[JB1969 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you. Will speak with doctor. I wish you very well.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to KidneyCoach]

Agreed!

[JimVanHorn]

I think the name "Metabolic Acidosis" sounds horrible and scary. My nephrologist gave me sodium bicarbonate and simply said it changes the pH of my blood, making it easier for the nephrons to get ride of acid molecules in my blood. It helps me clean my body of acidic molecules like they do with dialysis.

[SN23 in reply to JimVanHorn]

That is well said. And how much of it do you take? Thanks.

[JimVanHorn in reply to SN23]

I take Sodium Bicarbonate ON PRESCRIPTION! Do not take it on your own without your doctor's permission or change the dosage. I take 650 mg tabs two in the morning and two in the evening. I am in stage 5 now.

[SN23 in reply to JimVanHorn]

Thanks so much🙏

[JimVanHorn in reply to SN23]

Although Sod. Bicarb. helps the pH of his stomach, it is not used to cure ulcers or antacid. He needs to see his physician for ulcers and take antibiotics if needed. You see your blood has ions that keep the actual pH at 7.2 . These ions are called Zwitter ions. They have one end as acidic and the opposite end is basic. SO by taking the Sod. Bicarb. he changes the propensity of the blood to be more on the basic side. This allows the nephrons to eliminate acidic molecules more easily.

[brynat2]

Yes, It's helps. My husband takes four tablets a day. to help his acid levels.

[JB1969]

Do you think Sodium Bicarbonate EC ( enteric coated ) will help. Considering his stomach irritations and ulcers. Just curious. I will take his up with his doctor too. Will keep you posted.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

And since both my kidneys have been removed my liver must kick into gear to process the lactate. So it's not a simple exchange for my body. Just saying. The kidneys when failing oft times don't process CO2 well so supplementation may be necessary. Blessings