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Overview: Sodium chloride is given into one of your veins as a source of water and electrolytes to treat certain acid-base problems. It is also used during some medical procedures and to give certain medicines. It is usually well tolerated. Before using sodium chloride, be sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is sodium chloride (injection) used for?

Sodium chloride is commonly used for the following.

Sodium chloride may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of sodium chloride are available. See: Saline nasal spray, Saline (Sodium Chloride) for nebulization, Sodium Chloride ophthalmic, and Sodium Chloride (oral).

How does sodium chloride (injection) work (mechanism of action)?

Sodium chloride is made from sodium and chloride (which are both electrolytes) and water. Your body uses electrolytes for many things, including your hydration status (how much water you have in your body) and your acid-base balance. Injectable liquids are also necessary for certain procedures and help to deliver certain medicines into your veins.

How is sodium chloride (injection) supplied (dosage forms)?

Sodium chloride is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store sodium chloride (injection)?

Sodium chloride is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store sodium chloride at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sodium chloride (injection)?

Sodium chloride is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sodium chloride (injection)?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sodium chloride are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium chloride may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sodium chloride and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sodium chloride (injection)?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sodium chloride.

  • Sodium chloride
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sodium chloride products they stock.

What should I know about sodium chloride (injection) before using it?

Sodium chloride is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Your health care provider will likely check lab work before and while you are using sodium chloride.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sodium chloride (injection)?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sodium chloride is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sodium chloride may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sodium chloride, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sodium chloride could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sodium chloride while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sodium chloride passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sodium chloride while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sodium chloride (injection) interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sodium chloride and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sodium chloride.

Does sodium chloride (injection) interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using sodium chloride.

  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Corticotropin, which is a medicine used for multiple sclerosis, certain types of arthritis, and other conditions

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sodium chloride. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sodium chloride (injection)?

If you or someone else has used too much sodium chloride, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sodium chloride (injection)?

Sodium chloride is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled.