Drug reference

Sodium Chloride

Electrolyte · Fluid and Electrolyte Replenisher; Diluent

Also known as NaCl

ElectrolyteFluid and Electrolyte Replenisher; Diluent

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AmiodaroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
Arsenic TrioxideSevereDatabaseDDInter
AstemizoleSevereDatabaseDDInter
BedaquilineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Sodium chloride is an essential electrolyte critical for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, osmotic pressure, and acid-base homeostasis within the body. Administered intravenously, it primarily expands extracellular fluid volume and replaces sodium deficits. Hypertonic solutions acutely increase serum sodium concentration, drawing water from intracellular to extracellular compartments and thereby reducing cerebral edema in symptomatic hyponatremia. In the kidneys, sodium chloride is actively reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule via specific transport systems, contributing to volume regulation.

Indications

Diluent for other medications (e.g., potassium chloride, methacholine, furosemide)Treatment of hypovolemic hyponatremiaEmergency treatment of symptomatic hyponatremia (e.g., seizures) using IV hypertonic salineElevated intracranial pressure (as hypertonic saline)

Dosing

Pediatric: For symptomatic hyponatremia: 1 mL/kg of 3% sodium chloride increases serum sodium by approximately 1 mEq/L. A child often improves after receiving 4-6 mL/kg of 3% sodium chloride.

Contraindications

Hypernatremia
Hypervolemic hyponatremia (restriction of water and sodium intake is indicated)
Additions to intravenous fat emulsions (unless specifically formulated products due to embolism risk)

Side effects

Serious

Hypernatremia (from excessive sodium administration)
Central pontine myelinolysis (from rapid correction of hyponatremia)
Embolism (if added to incompatible intravenous fat emulsions)
Microbial contamination/infection (with improper aseptic technique during extemporaneous additions)