Sodium Bicarbonate - Cisplatin Interaction
Herbal: Sodium Bicarbonate
Drug: Cisplatin
Brand names:
Platinol-AQ

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Cisplatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)
Theoretically, sodium bicarbonate may increase the risk of hypokalemia in patients receiving cisplatin.
Orally, use of excessive sodium bicarbonate (such as the intake of "tablespoons" of sodium bicarbonate daily or up to one box of baking soda weekly) has been associated with cases of hypokalemia. Furthermore, the most common complication of intravenous sodium bicarbonate is hypokalemia. Cisplatin can cause renal tubular damage, with increased losses of electrolytes including potassium.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Mohammadianpanah M, Omidvari S, Mosalaei A, Ahmadloo N. Cisplatin-induced hypokalemic paralysis. Clin Ther 2004;26:1320-3.
- Panichpisal K, Angulo-Pernett F, Selhi S, Nugent KM. Gitelman-like syndrome after cisplatin therapy: a case report and literature review. BMC Nephrol 2006;7:10.
- Bjornson DC, Stephenson SR. Cisplatin-induced massive renal tubular failure with wastage of serum electrolytes. Clin Pharm 1983;2;80-3.
- Proudfoot, A. T., Krenzelok, E. P., and Vale, J. A. Position Paper on urine alkalinization. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2004;42(1):1-26.
- Fitzgibbons, L. J. and Snoey, E. R. Severe metabolic alkalosis due to baking soda ingestion: case reports of two patients with unsuspected antacid overdose. J Emerg Med 1999;17(1):57-61.
Cisplatin Overview
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Cisplatin is used combination with other medications to treat cancer of the testicles that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy. Cisplatin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat cancer of the ovaries (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed) that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy. Cisplatin is also used alone or in combination with other medications to treat bladder cancer that can not be treated with surgery or radiation therapy alone. Cisplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Sodium Bicarbonate - More Interactions
Sodium Bicarbonate interacts with 257 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.