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Sodium chloride ophthalmic is used in your eye to reduce swelling. You may have mild stinging or burning when you first put it in your eye. This usually goes away on its own. Serious side effects are rare. Sodium chloride ophthalmic is available as an eye drop and as an ointment. Make sure you or your caregiver knows how to use it properly.

Uses

What is sodium chloride ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Sodium chloride ophthalmic is commonly used to relieve corneal edema. 

Sodium chloride ophthalmic 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 (injection), and Sodium Chloride (oral).

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

Corneal edema is a result of having too much fluid in your cornea (the clear outer protective layer of your eye). Sodium chloride ophthalmic helps to draw the fluid that is causing the swelling (edema) out of your cornea. You get rid of this fluid in your tears. 

How is sodium chloride ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Altachlore
  • Muro 128

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 5% ophthalmic ointment
  • 2%, 5% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)

How should I store sodium chloride ophthalmic?

Sodium chloride ophthalmic should be stored with the lid tightly closed at room temperature, between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). Some products may be able to be exposed to temperatures up to 86 F (30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place. Store the sodium chloride eye drops in an upright position. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sodium chloride ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of sodium chloride ophthalmic are short-term burning or stinging when you put the drops in your eye. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of sodium chloride ophthalmic that are not listed here. 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 ophthalmic?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium chloride ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sodium chloride ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

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

  • Altachlore
  • Muro 128
  • Sodium chloride
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

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

What should I know about sodium chloride ophthalmic before using it?

You should only use sodium chloride ophthalmic if your health care provider recommends it. Read and follow the instructions that come with the product or use it as recommended by your health care provider. 

Keep sodium chloride ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

If you wear contact lenses, check the product label to see if you need to take them out before using this medicine. If you are not sure, check with your health care provider. 

Sodium chloride ophthalmic is an eye medicine that comes in an ointment or an eye drop. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops or eye ointments. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

You should not use sodium chloride ophthalmic drops if the liquid has changed color or seems cloudy. You should not use sodium chloride ophthalmic ointment if you see specks in the ointment or if it is really hard to get it to come out of the tube. 

Eye infections may occur if your sodium chloride ophthalmic container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or vision changes or if you need to have eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eyes, blurry vision or irritation, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

Stop using sodium chloride ophthalmic and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Vision changes 
  • Eye pain
  • Your symptoms last for longer than 72 hours
  • Your symptoms get worse instead of better

What should I tell my health care provider before using sodium chloride ophthalmic?

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 ophthalmic is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. 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 ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. 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 ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sodium chloride ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sodium chloride ophthalmic.

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

Sodium chloride ophthalmic may interact with certain medicines. 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.

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 ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much sodium chloride ophthalmic, 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 ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.