Definition

This is poisoning from an overdose of baking soda.

Some athletes and coaches believe that drinking baking soda prior to competition ("soda loading") helps them perform for longer periods of time. This is extremely dangerous, and in addition to side effects, it actually makes the athletes unable to perform.

Alternative Names

Soda loading

Poisonous Ingredient

  • Sodium bicarbonate

Symptoms

Home Treatment

DO NOT make the person throw up. Call Poison Control for appropriate treatment.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

  • Fluids
  • Medicines to treat symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Amount of baking soda swallowed
  • Time to treatment
  • Age
  • Weight
  • Overall health
Review Date:2/28/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.