Sodium bicarbonate is a common alkaline salt. In medicines it mostly appears as an antacid ingredient that helps with acidity and heartburn, and it also has hospital uses in injectable form.
It sells through general physicians, gastro specialists and hospitals. Retail chemists keep antacid syrups on the counter all year, so the product has steady repeat demand.
Because antacids are bought so often, chemists care a lot about price, scheme and availability. A distributor who keeps stock steady and settles breakage claims quickly tends to win shelf space. Hospital supply of the injection is a separate channel and usually needs tender or purchase committee contacts.
Sodium bicarbonate syrups, tablets and other listed forms
Forms that companies list include:
- Syrup or suspension, the main antacid format
- Injection for hospital supply
- Tablet, dry syrup and capsule listings
The familiar antacid pairing is with sodium alginate and calcium carbonate. Polyethylene glycol and potassium chloride appear in bowel preparation and electrolyte products.
What to weigh up in a gastro franchise company
Antacids alone rarely build a business, so check whether the company has PPIs, prokinetics, digestive enzymes and liver products too. Compare PTR against MRP for each bottle size. Syrups are bulky, so ask about freight terms and breakage claims. The monopoly area should be fixed in writing. Look at bottle, cap and label quality. Ask how expiry returns are settled and whether the company provides visual aids, samples and prescription pads for promotion.
Briefing a third-party manufacturer for your antacid brand
Tell the plant the exact formula you want, the flavour, bottle size and whether you need a measuring cup. Agree on MOQ per batch, since liquid batches are usually large. Ask about PET or glass bottles and their effect on shelf life. Request stability data, a certificate of analysis for each batch and copies of the manufacturing licence and GMP certificate. Keep your drug licence, GST number and trademark details ready for label approval.
Related pages: Gastro PCD Franchise and all molecules A to Z. Often combined with: Sodium Alginate, Calcium Carbonate, Polyethylene Glycol.