Sodium chloride (oral)

Sodium chloride is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent sodium loss caused by dehydration, excess sweating, or other causes. 

• Sodium chloride is available under various brand names: Sodium Chloride

Common side effects of Sodium chloride include:

• none

Serious side effects of Sodium chloride include:

• hives,
• difficult breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• nausea and vomiting;
• stomach pain; or
• swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.

Rare side effects of Sodium chloride include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Cream

• 12%

Lotion

• 0.5%
• 10%
• 12%

Hyponatremia

Adult and pediatric dosage

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
• Adults—One tablet per day.
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Sodium chloride has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Sodium chloride has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Sodium chloride has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Sodium chloride has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to sodium chloride
• High sodium levels in your blood 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sodium chloride?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sodium chloride?”

Cautions

• You should not take sodium chloride if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have high sodium levels in your blood.
• Before you take sodium chloride, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, fluid retention (especially around your legs or your lungs), congestive heart failure, preeclampsia of pregnancy if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you are allergic to any foods or drugs.
• Stop using sodium chloride and call your doctor at once if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or swelling in your hands or feet.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using sodium chloride.
• Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is not known whether sodium chloride will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Lactation

• It is not known whether sodium chloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.