The infusion time depends on the total sodium bicarbonate dose, indication, patient weight, and blood-gas/electrolyte results. Do not select a rate from the 500 mL D5W volume alone.

For non-emergent metabolic acidosis in adults, the product labeling commonly gives 2-5 mEq/kg IV over 4-8 hours, with repeat assessment of pH, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and volume status. See the DailyMed prescribing information.

So, if the order is simply “sodium bicarbonate in D5W 500 mL” for acidosis, it is often run over 4-8 hours, but the prescriber should specify the rate. It should not be automatically run over 1 hour.

For specific emergencies, such as tricyclic-antidepressant overdose, severe hyperkalemia, or cardiac arrest, the protocol and rate can be very different and may require boluses or a closely titrated infusion.

Please verify:

Also avoid mixing or co-infusing with calcium-containing solutions because precipitation can occur.