What is the primary action of Sodium Bicarbonate?

The primary action of Sodium Bicarbonate is that of a systemic antacid. It works by neutralizing stomach acid, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like heartburn or indigestion. When Sodium Bicarbonate is ingested, it dissociates into sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form water and carbon dioxide, thereby raising the pH of the gastric contents. This action not only provides relief from discomfort caused by excess stomach acid but can also be important in managing certain clinical conditions where acid-base balance is crucial.

Other options listed do not accurately describe the primary role of Sodium Bicarbonate. For instance, while osmotic diuretics promote the excretion of water through urine, Sodium Bicarbonate does not function as a diuretic. Similarly, the long-acting antihypertensive options and anticoagulants serve entirely different purposes in patient management and do not relate to the antacid properties of Sodium Bicarbonate.