Can patients with gout take sodium bicarbonate tablets?

Generally, patients with gout can take sodium bicarbonate tablets, but this should be done under the guidance of a physician.

Sodium bicarbonate tablets are alkaline medications. Patients with gout have elevated levels of uric acid in their bodies. Uric acid tends to crystallize and deposit in joints, kidneys, and other areas in an acidic environment, causing symptoms such as pain. Taking sodium bicarbonate tablets can alkalinize the urine, increase the urine's pH value, promote the dissolution of uric acid, help excrete uric acid through urine, thereby lowering blood uric acid levels. It can also help prevent the formation of uric acid stones to some extent.

During the course of taking sodium bicarbonate tablets as directed by a physician, patients should regularly recheck their urine pH levels and adjust the medication dosage accordingly to maintain the urine pH between 6.2 and 6.9. This range effectively promotes uric acid excretion while avoiding the formation of other crystals that could damage the kidneys.

It is recommended that gout patients regularly monitor their blood uric acid levels, adjust their medication regimen according to medical advice, and avoid altering dosages or frequently switching medications on their own in order to ensure efficacy and safety.