Generic name: sodium chloride (SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes, Miscellaneous respiratory agents
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Kruschen Salts
- Ocu-Disal
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Sodium Supplement
Uses for sodium chloride
Sodium chloride is used as an electrolyte replenisher to help prevent heat cramps caused by too much sweating. Sodium chloride is also used for the preparation of normal isotonic solution of sodium chloride.
Sodium chloride is available without prescription.
Before using sodium chloride
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sodium chloride, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium chloride or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of sodium chloride in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of sodium chloride in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper use of sodium chloride
Take sodium chloride exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using sodium chloride without a prescription.
Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt or sodium diet.
To prepare sodium chloride isotonic solution:
- Dissolve one tablet in 120 milliliters (mL) of distilled water.
- Use as directed by your doctor.
Dosing
The dose of sodium chloride will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of sodium chloride. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For the prevention of heat cramps caused by too much sweating:
- Adults—One tablet per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the prevention of heat cramps caused by too much sweating:
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions while using sodium chloride
Call your doctor right away if your symptoms of heat cramps continue for more than 24 hours.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Sodium chloride side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Fast heartbeat
- fever
- hives, itching, or rash
- hoarseness
- irritation
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- redness of the skin
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
- tightness in the chest
- troubled breathing or swallowing
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.