University of Massachusetts Medical School Faculty Publications

Title

Sodium Acetate as a Replacement for Sodium Bicarbonate in Medical Toxicology: a Review

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine

Publication Date

2013-04-30

Document Type

Article

Subjects

Sodium Acetate; Sodium Bicarbonate; Antidotes

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Medical Toxicology

Abstract

Sodium bicarbonate is central to the treatment of many poisonings. When it was placed on the FDA drug shortage list in 2012, alternative treatment strategies to specific poisonings were considered. Many hospital pharmacies, poison centers, and medical toxicologists proposed sodium acetate as an adequate alternative, despite a paucity of data to support its use in medical toxicology. The intention of this review is to educate the clinician on the use of sodium acetate and to advise them on the potential adverse events when given in excess. We conducted a literature search focused on the pharmacology of sodium acetate, its use as a buffer in pathologic acidemia and dialysis baths, and potential adverse events associated with excess sodium acetate infusion. It appears safe to replace sodium bicarbonate infusion with sodium acetate on an equimolar basis. The metabolism of acetate, however, is more complex than bicarbonate. Future prospective studies will be needed to confirm the efficacy of sodium acetate in the treatment of the poisoned patient.

DOI of Published Version

10.1007/s13181-013-0304-0

Source

J Med Toxicol. 2013 Apr 30. Link to article on publisher's site

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology

PubMed ID

23636658

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