Hydrochloric acid therapy

The dose of hydrochloric acid is usually infused intravenously over 12 to 24 hours." A severe transient respiratory acidosis may occur if the hydrochloric acid is infused too quickly because of the slower reduction of the elevated bicarbonate concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid than in the extracellular fluid. Improvement is usually seen within 24 hours of initiating therapy. Arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes should be drawn every 4 to 8 hours to evaluate and adjust therapy. 

---