Sodium Channel blockers

[AZCEP]

I thought that I had answered it. :?

[OzMedic]

Sodium bicarbonate does work in the way you describe, but it is also used to provide a greater amount of Na+ to counter the sodium channel blockade that TCA's create. The alkalinizing properties cause the TCA to move more quickly into the urine and be eliminated, while the sodium counteracts the ionic movement limitations.

I agree with most of this however my understanding was that increase in ph from the sodium bicarb caused the TCA to become bound to circulating albumin and therefore inactive until it is excreted or ph drops. I think this is why hyperventilation is also thought to be beneficial in TCA OD's. It has been a while though!