lactate + bicarbonate

A combination of lactate and bicarbonate, typically administered as their sodium salts (sodium lactate and sodium bicarbonate), used as alkalinizing agents to correct metabolic acidosis. Lactate is metabolized in the liver to bicarbonate, providing an indirect source of base, while bicarbonate directly neutralizes excess hydrogen ions in the blood. This combination may be considered for prevention or control of mild to moderate metabolic acidosis when oral intake is restricted and oxidative metabolism is intact. However, it is not recommended for severe acidotic states requiring immediate correction or for lactic acidosis itself, as both agents have specific limitations and risks depending on underlying pathophysiology[3][5][6]. The mechanism involves buffering excess acid by increasing plasma bicarbonate concentration (bicarbonate) and hepatic conversion of lactate to bicarbonate (lactate).