tromethamine

Tromethamine is a synthetic organic amine that functions as a systemic alkalizing agent and biological buffer. It is primarily utilized to treat metabolic acidosis, especially during cardiac bypass surgery or following cardiac arrest. Unlike sodium bicarbonate, which generates carbon dioxide during the neutralization of acid, tromethamine acts as a proton acceptor, directly sequestering hydrogen ions to form bicarbonate and a cationic salt. This unique mechanism enables it to increase blood pH and decrease the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in both extracellular and intracellular fluids. It is administered intravenously and is particularly useful in clinical scenarios where sodium loading is undesirable, as it does not contain sodium ions.

Brand names

THAM

Other names

tristris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethanetrometamol2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol