Brioschi and Ferrlecit

• Generic Name: sodium bicarbonate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Neut

Sodium bicarbonate , also known as baking soda, is used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid. When used for this purpose, it is said to belong to the group of medicines called antacids. It may be used to treat the symptoms of stomach or duodenal ulcers. Sodium bicarbonate is also used to make the blood and urine more alkaline in certain conditions.

Antacids should not be given to young children (up to 6 years of age) unless prescribed by their doctor. Since children cannot usually describe their symptoms very well, a doctor should check the child before giving this medicine. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, antacids will not help and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse.

Sodium bicarbonate for oral use is available without a prescription.

• Generic Name: sodium ferric gluconate complex
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Ferrlecit, Nulecit

Sodium ferric gluconate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Ferrlecit is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body) in adults and children at least 6 years old. This medicine is for people with kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Ferrlecit may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.