Sodium Chloride
Uses of Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride 0.9% is commonly used to treat dehydration and as short term fluid replacement after trauma. It is also used as an irrigation solution for eye and nasal congestion.
How Sodium Chloride Works
Sodium chloride is the major extracellular cation. Hence it serves as a source of electrolyte and fluid for a case of dehydration and for patients post-trauma. Sodium chloride is physiologically vital in fluid balance, water distribution and osmotic pressure control. It is also used in dilution of intravenous drugs.
Side Effects of Sodium Chloride
Hypernatraemia, thirst, fever, tachycardia, hypertension, headache, dizziness, restlessness, irritability and weakness.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Sodium Chloride should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. In chronic salt-losing conditions, dose adjustment of Sodium Chloride may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Sodium Chloride. Taking Sodium Chloride with alcohol may worsen the side effects such as headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and palpitations.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Sodium Chloride may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown side effects on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable even with the risk. Please consult your doctor.
Driving Generally Safe
Not applicable.
Liver Limited Data
Sodium Chloride should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sodium Chloride may be needed. Liver enzyme monitoring should be needed for patients with severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Limited Data
Sodium Chloride is probably safe to use during lactation. Limited human data suggests that Sodium Chloride does not represent a significant risk to the baby.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
