Sodium Chloride

Brand names: Dey-Pak
Drug class: Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Sodium Chloride

Hydration

Maintenance or replacement of sodium chloride and water for hydration.

Prevention of muscle cramps and heat prostration secondary to fluid loss from excessive perspiration during exposure to high temperatures.

Electrolyte Balance

Prevention or treatment of deficiencies of sodium and chloride ions (e.g., caused by excessive diuresis or excessive salt restriction).

Extracellular fluid replacement (isotonic [0.9%] sodium chloride injection).

Management of metabolic alkalosis in the presence of fluid loss and mild sodium depletion (0.9% sodium chloride injection).

Management of severe sodium chloride depletion (e.g., presence of heart failure, renal impairment, during surgery, postoperatively) when rapid electrolyte restoration is essential (hypertonic [3 or 5%] sodium chloride injection).

Management of hyponatremia and hypochloremia resulting from administration of sodium-free fluids during fluid and electrolyte therapy (3 or 5% sodium chloride injection).

Management of extreme dilution of extracellular fluid following excessive water intake (e.g., resulting from multiple enemas or perfusion of irrigating solutions into open venous sinuses during transurethral prostatic resections) (3 or 5% sodium chloride injection).

Emergency treatment of severe sodium chloride depletion resulting from excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and other conditions (3 or 5% sodium chloride injection).

In general, isotonic sodium chloride solutions are used for parenteral replacement of chloride losses equal to or exceeding sodium losses; hypotonic sodium chloride solutions are used for parenteral maintenance of hydration requirements when only small quantities of salt are desired; hypertonic sodium chloride solutions are used for repletion in severe salt depletion syndrome.

Hyperosmolar Diabetes

Management of hyperosmolar diabetes (hypotonic [0.45%] sodium chloride injection).

Assessment of Renal Function

Assessment of renal function status (0.45% sodium chloride injection).

Priming Agent

Priming fluid for hemodialysis procedures (0.9% sodium chloride injection).

Initiate and terminate blood transfusions without hemolyzing RBCs (0.9% isotonic sodium chloride injection).

Diluent

Pharmaceutical aid, diluent, and delivery system for the infusion of compatible drug additives.

Measurement of Cardiac Oputput

Measurement of cardiac output by the thermodilution method (0.9% sodium chloride injection as Thermoject system).

Respiratory and Tracheal Uses

Inhalation via nebulization, dilution of compatible drugs for nebulization, and tracheal lavage and irrigation (0.9% sodium chloride inhalation solution).

Cystic Fibrosis

An inhalation for cystic fibrosis patients to produce a sustained acceleration of mucus clearance and improve lung function† [off-label] (7% sodium chloride solution).

Relate drugs

How to use Sodium Chloride

General

  • Frequent laboratory determinations and clinical evaluation of the patient are essential during therapy, especially during prolonged therapy, to monitor changes in fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
  • Sterile inhalation solutions of sodium chloride are commercially available in single-dose containers for inhalation via nebulization, for dilution of compatible drugs for nebulization, and for tracheal lavage and irrigation, and in metered-dose aerosols for dilution of compatible drugs for nebulization.

    • Administration

    Administer orally, by IV infusion, intravascularly as a priming fluid, or as an oral inhalation via nebulization.

    Administer thermodilution solution only via thermodilution catheter; do not administer by any other route.

    Bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection is not for inhalation.

    IV Administration

    For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.

    Administer 3 and 5% solutions via a large peripheral vein with a well-placed small-bore needle; use care to avoid infiltration.

    Administer 14.6 and 23.4% sodium chloride injections only after dilution.

    Some manufacturers recommend use of a final filter.

    Discard unused portion of solutions that are preservative free or intended for single use only.

    Dilution

    Prior to IV administration, dilute 14.6 and 23.4% sodium chloride injections (2.5 or 4 mEq/mL each of sodium and chloride) with a compatible IV solution. Dilution amount is determined by the individual needs of the patient. Sodium chloride concentrations of ≤5% sodium chloride have been administered.

    Sodium chloride 23.4% injection: Divide the required amount of mEqs of sodium chloride by 4 to calculate the volume (mL) of sodium chloride. Withdraw this amount and transfer to the parenteral solution (e.g., 5% dextrose injection).

    When diluting additive drugs, consult prescribing information accompanying additives. (See Compatibility under Stability.)

    Rate of Administration

    Sodium chloride 3 or 5% infusion: Administer the solution slowly; maximum 100 mL/hour.

    Intravascular Administration

    Administer intravascularly as a priming fluid in hemodialysis procedures.

    Injection via Thermodilution Catheter

    For measurement of cardiac output, administer 0.9% sodium chloride injection (in Thermoject system) iced or at room temperature via a thermodilution catheter.

    Consult prescribing information for complete administration information.

    Dosage

    Determine dosage based on the age, weight, clinical condition, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of the patient.

    Normal physiologic osmolarity range is approximately 280–310 mOsm/L. Administration of substantially hypertonic solutions (≥600 mOsm/L) may cause vein damage.

    Table 1. Ionic Concentration and Osmolarity of Sodium Chloride 0.45–5% Injectionsabcdejl

    Sodium Chloride Injection Solution

    Sodium and Chloride Content (mEq/L of each)

    Estimated Calculated Osmolarity (mOsm/L)

    0.45% Sodium chloride injection (hypotonic solution)

    77

    154

    0.9% Sodium chloride injection (normal saline)

    154

    308

    3% Sodium chloride injection (hypertonic solution)

    513

    1025

    5% Sodium chloride injection (hypertonic solution)

    855

    1710

    Must be diluted prior to administration.

    Table 2. Ionic Concentration and Osmolarity of Sodium Chloride Additive Solutionsagh

    Sodium Chloride Additive Solution

    Sodium and Chloride Content (mEq/mL of each)

    Estimated Calculated Osmolarity (mOsm/L)

    14.6% Sodium chloride injection

    2.5

    5000

    23.4% Sodium chloride injection

    4

    8000

    Pediatric Patients

    Bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection is contraindicated in neonates. (See Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity and see Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

    Usual Dosage IV

    Children: Determine dosage based on the patient's weight, clinical condition, and laboratory tests.

    Adults

    Usual Dosage Oral

    1–2 g given 3 times daily.

    IV

    Usual adult sodium and chloride requirements met by 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride injection daily; alternatively, 1–2 L of 0.45% sodium chloride injection daily.

    3 or 5% sodium chloride injection: Initially, 100 mL infused slowly over a 1-hour period.

    Determine the need for additional dose(s) based on serum electrolyte concentrations, including chloride and bicarbonate.

    Sodium Chloride Deficiencies Additive in Parenteral Fluid IV

    Sodium chloride 14.6 and 23.4% additive solutions: Dosage is determined by the patient's individual needs.

    Measurement of Cardiac Output IV

    0.9% (Thermoject) solution: 1–10 mL as required. Use the smallest volume necessary to produce an adequate curve.

    Prescribing Limits

    Adults

    Usual Dosage IV

    3 or 5% sodium chloride injection: Maximum 100 mL given over a 1-hour period. Maximum 400 mL in 24 hours.

    Special Populations

    Hepatic Impairment

    Select dosage with extreme caution in cirrhosis. (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)

    Renal Impairment

    Select dosage with extreme caution in diminished renal function or severe renal insufficiency; monitor sodium concentrations. (See Renal Impairment under Cautions.)

    Geriatric Patients

    Select dosage with caution, usually initiating at the lower end of the usual range, because of age-related decreases in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or drug therapy. (See Geriatric Use under Cautions.)

    Warnings

    Contraindications

  • When administration of sodium or chloride could be clinically detrimental.
  • Bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection: Contraindicated in neonates. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
  • 3 and 5% sodium chloride injections: Presence of increased, normal, or only slightly decreased serum electrolyte concentrations.
  • Thermoject 0.9% injection: Not for injection by the usual parenteral routes of infusion, including infusion through IV administration sets.
  • 14.6% sodium chloride injection: Hypernatremia or fluid retention.

    • Warnings/Precautions

    Warnings

    Surgical and Postsurgical Use

    Avoid use during and immediately following surgery, unless factors producing salt depletion are present. Because of renal retention of salt during surgery, administration of additional electrolyte may result in fluid retention, edema, and circulatory overload. Monitor for signs of postoperative salt intolerance (e.g., cellular dehydration, weakness, disorientation, anorexia, nausea, distention, deep respiration, oliguria, increased BUN).

    Sodium Content

    See ionic concentration and osmolarity tables under Dosage and Administration for specific sodium content information.

    Risk of sodium retention; use caution when administering solutions containing sodium to patients with hypervolemia, urinary tract obstruction, impending or frank cardiac decompensation, or renal or cardiovascular insufficiency (with or without CHF); to geriatric patients; or in clinical states with sodium retention with edema. (See Specific Populations under Cautions.)

    Aluminum Content

    Some preparations contain aluminum; may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired, including in premature neonates. If such patients receive parenteral aluminum in amounts of >4–5 mcg/kg daily, aluminum may accumulate to levels associated with CNS and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

    Infusion Site Reactions

    Infusion site and other reactions (e.g., fever, infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis, hypervolemia, extravasation, phlebitis extending from the site of injection) possible. May occur because of the solution (e.g., contamination) or administration technique.

    Symptoms may result from excess or deficit of 1 or more ions in the solution; monitor electrolyte concentrations frequently. (See Electrolyte Disturbances under Cautions.)

    3 and 5% sodium chloride injections are strongly hypertonic; may cause local pain or venous irritation or damage. (See IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

    If adverse effects occur, discontinue infusion; evaluate patient and institute appropriate therapeutic measures; save remainder of fluid for examination, if necessary.

    Fluid and/or Solute Overload

    Possible fluid and/or solute overload following IV administration resulting in dilution of serum electrolytes, overhydration, congestive conditions, or pulmonary edema.

    Infuse 3 and 5% solutions slowly with constant observation of patient to avoid pulmonary edema.

    Risk of dilutional conditions is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration administered. Risk of solute overload and resultant congestive conditions with peripheral and/or pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentration administered.

    Major Toxicities

    Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity

    Risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity in neonates with use of preparations containing benzyl alcohol. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

    General Precautions

    Electrolyte Disturbances

    As patient's condition warrants and during prolonged therapy, evaluate changes in fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance, both clinically and via laboratory determinations. May require additional electrolyte supplements or other appropriate therapy.

    Possible hypokalemia with excessive or prolonged administration of potassium-free solutions.

    Possible hypernatremia with excessive IV administration of sodium chloride. Hypernatremia may be associated with edema and exacerbation of CHF secondary to the retention of water.

    Risk of sudden hypernatremia and complications (e.g., cardiovascular shock, CNS disorders, extensive hemolysis, cortical necrosis of the kidneys) from inadvertent direct injection or absorption of a concentrated sodium chloride solution. Dilute hypertonic solutions prior to administration. (See Dilution under Dosage and Administration.)

    If infused in large amounts, chloride ions may cause a loss of bicarbonate ions, resulting in an acidifying effect.

    Patients with substantial electrolyte losses (e.g., resulting from protracted nasogastric suctioning, vomiting, diarrhea, or GI fistula drainage) may require additional electrolyte supplementation.

    Specific Populations

    Pregnancy

    Category C.

    Lactation

    Not known if sodium chloride is distributed into human milk. Caution if used in nursing women.

    Pediatric Use

    Safety and efficacy of sodium chloride injection not established; however, the use of sodium chloride solutions in pediatric patients is referenced in medical literature.

    Use with caution in neonates and small infants; the volume of fluid may affect fluid and electrolyte balance.

    Some preparations contain aluminum, which may be toxic in premature neonates and in individuals with impaired kidney function. Premature neonates are at particular risk because of immature kidneys and because they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum. (See Aluminum Content under Cautions.)

    Bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative (antimicrobial agent) should not be used for diluting or reconstituting drugs for administration in neonates, nor to flush intravascular catheters in neonates.

    Large amounts of benzyl alcohol (i.e., 100–400 mg/kg daily) have been associated with toxicity in neonates. Several deaths have been reported in neonates weighing <2.5 kg in whom bacteriostatic sodium chloride for injection containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol was used for flushing IV catheters; some of these neonates received additional benzyl alcohol when bacteriostatic sodium chloride injection was used to dilute or reconstitute drugs.

    Geriatric Use

    No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults. Substantially eliminated by the kidneys; monitor renal function since geriatric patients are more likely to have decreased renal function. (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration and also see Sodium Content under Cautions.)

    Hepatic Impairment

    Use with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with liver cirrhosis.

    Renal Impairment

    Use with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with severe renal insufficiency. Risk of sodium retention in patients with diminished renal function. Monitor renal function. (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration and also see Sodium Content under Cautions.)

    What other drugs will affect Sodium Chloride

    Specific Drugs

    Drug

    Interaction

    Comments

    Corticosteroids

    Possible risk of sodium retention

    Use with caution

    Corticotropin

    Possible risk of sodium retention

    Use with caution

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