Last reviewed · How we verify
Golytely (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Golytely works by neutralizing stomach acid and helping to protect the stomach lining.
Golytely, a sodium bicarbonate formulation by Abbott, holds a significant market position as a leading gastrointestinal preparation, though it is not the world's best-selling drug. Its competitive advantage lies in its mechanism of neutralizing stomach acid and protecting the stomach lining, distinguishing it from key competitors like sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and magnesium citrate. A key risk is the lack of clinical trials to support additional indications, which may limit its market expansion. The pipeline outlook remains constrained due to the absence of ongoing clinical trials and the requirement for a PD-L1 companion diagnostic for several potential new indications.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sodium Bicarbonate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Abbott |
| Drug class | sodium bicarbonate |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1981 |
Mechanism of action
The primary mode of action is thought to be through the osmotic effect of polyethylene glycol 3350 which causes water to be retained in the colon and produces watery stool.
Approved indications
- Reduction of risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Boxed warnings
- TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, D0 NOT TAKE UNTIL TABLET IS COMPLETELY DISSOLVED IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO TAKE THIS PRODUCT WHEN OVERLY FULL FROM FOOD OR DRINK. Consult doctor if severe stomach pain occurs after taking this product. Stomach Warning: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, D0 NOT TAKE UNTIL TABLET IS COMPLETELY DISSOLVED IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO TAKE THIS PRODUCT WHEN OVERLY FULL FROM FOOD OR DRINK. Consult doctor if severe stomach pain occurs after taking this product.
Common side effects
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Muscular twitchings
- Irritability
- Tetany
- Hypernatremia
Serious adverse events
- Chemical cellulitis
- Tissue necrosis
- Ulceration
- Tissue sloughing
Drug interactions
- norepinephrine
- dobutamine
- sodium bicarbonate
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Golytely CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Golytely updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Abbott portfolio CI