What is Sodium Chloride: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Sodium Chloride

• If you’re unsure of how to use sodium chloride tablets, nasal spray, nasal wash, sinus wash, eyewash, or eye drops, get medical advice from a healthcare professional.

• If sodium chloride is prescribed by a healthcare professional, follow all instructions on dosing, timing, and administration. Do not use more than prescribed.

• If over-the-counter sodium chloride products are being used at will, read and follow the instructions that come with the product or are printed on the packaging.

• Sodium chloride injections and sodium chloride irrigation are both administered by healthcare professionals.

• How to take sodium chloride tablets:

  • Sodium chloride tablets are used to supplement the diet, correct electrolyte deficiencies, improve low blood pressure, or treat problems related to temporary sodium deficiency, such as muscle cramps or heat prostration.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with the tablets.

  • Sodium chloride tablets are typically swallowed whole with a full glass of water.

  • Store sodium chloride tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat. 

• How to use sodium chloride hypertonic eye drops:

  • Sodium chloride hypertonic eye drops are intended to temporarily relieve fluid build-up in the cornea (the area in front of the pupil and iris).

  • Wash your hands before applying the eye drops.

  • Put one or two drops in the affected eye every three or four hours or as directed by a healthcare professional.

• How to use sodium chloride hypertonic eye ointment:

  • Sodium chloride hypertonic eye ointment is intended to temporarily relieve fluid build-up in the cornea.

  • Apply a ribbon (1/4 inch) of ointment to the affected eye every three to four hours or as directed by a healthcare provider.

  • Wash your hands before applying the ointment.

  • Pull down the lower lid of the eye.

  • Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye. 

  • Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger.

  • Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball.

  • Close the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. 

  • Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly.

  • Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.

• How to use sodium chloride eyewash:

  • Sodium chloride eyewash is intended to be a first aid treatment to rinse off chemicals or debris from the eye and inner eyelids.

  • The eyewash containers are typically placed on a wall in manufacturing, machining, chemical, or other commercial facilities.

  • Remove contacts before use.

  • Rinse the eye by squeezing the bottle.

  • Use as much rinse as necessary.

• How to use sodium chloride nasal spray:

  • Use as needed.

  • Follow the package instructions.

  • The typical dose is six to eight sprays in each nostril.

  • Children younger than three years of age require only one or two sprays.

  • Store sodium chloride nasal spray at room temperature.

• How to use sodium chloride solution for nasal irrigation or sinus rinse:

  • Use as needed. 

  • These nasal or sinus lavage products usually require the use of a device such as a Neti pot or custom device. Some can be administered directly from the bottle.

  • Follow the package instructions. These can vary from product to product.

  • When constituting sodium chloride solution from packets, be careful to use the exact amount of water specified in the directions. 

  • Follow the storage instructions on the package.

• How to use sodium chloride for nebulizers:

  • You will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. 

  • Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer.

  • See the package instructions for storage directions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sodium Chloride

• Sodium chloride supplements and remedies are used on an as-needed basis. If a dose is missed, take or administer the missed dose when remembered.

• If doses are separated by a few hours, take the missed dose when remembered. Take the next dose after the recommended waiting time between doses has passed.

Sodium Chloride contraindications

• You should not use a sodium chloride product if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the product.

• Allergic reactions to sodium chloride itself are extremely rare. When they do happen, it’s a reaction to injected hypertonic saline solution.

Sodium Chloride warnings

• Tell any healthcare provider treating you that you are using sodium chloride tablets or eye products.

• Read the list of ingredients before using over-the-counter sodium chloride products. Some sodium chloride medications contain preservatives or topical anesthetics, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions. 

Sodium chloride tablet warnings

• Talk to a healthcare provider before taking sodium chloride tablets if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

• Avoid sodium chloride tablets if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Sodium chloride hypertonic eye product warnings

• If you use any saline eye product, stop using it and get medical help if you experience:

  • Eye pain

  • Vision changes

  • Persistent eye redness

• Do not use hypertonic saline solution or ointment except under the advice and direction of a healthcare provider.

• Do not use sodium chloride eye drops, ointment, or eyewash if it is discolored or cloudy.

• Do not swallow hypertonic saline solution. Call a poison helpline or get medical help if the solution is swallowed.

Sodium chloride eyewash warnings

• Do not use sodium chloride eyewash if there are wounds around the eye. Get immediate, emergency medical care instead.

Sodium chloride nasal and sinus product warnings

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before using saline nasal or sinus products. 

• Do not use saline sinus products if:

  • Nasal passages are completely blocked

  • Ears are completely blocked

  • You have an ear infection

• When using nasal sprays, try not to share the dispenser bottle with other people. Sharing the bottle may spread infections.

• When using packets, do not use unfiltered tap water to make the saline solution.

Sodium chloride nebulizer solution warnings

• If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your healthcare provider right away. 

Sodium chloride injection warnings

• Sodium chloride injections are used with caution in any person at risk of excess sodium levels, excess chloride levels, sodium retention, fluid retention, or fluid overload.

Sodium Chloride interactions

• Sodium chloride products do not have any listed drug interactions.