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Overview: Sodium chloride is used to make salt water solutions and to prevent cramps from excessive sweating. It is usually well tolerated. You should only take sodium chloride as recommended by your health care provider. Sodium chloride is salt. You should not take it if you are following a low-salt diet, unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

Uses

What is sodium chloride (oral) 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 (injection), and Sodium Chloride ophthalmic.

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

Sodium chloride is made from sodium and chloride, which are both electrolytes. Your body uses electrolytes for many things, including muscle function and your hydration status (how much water you have in your body). When you sweat, you lose both water and electrolytes. If you sweat a lot, this can sometimes lead to muscle cramps. Sodium chloride tablets can help to replace electrolytes lost from excessive sweating and may help to prevent muscle cramps.

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

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg, 1 g oral tablets

How should I store sodium chloride (oral)?

Sodium chloride should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). 

Side Effects

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

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 (oral)?

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 taking 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 (oral)?

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

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

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

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

You should not take sodium chloride unless your health care provider recommends it for you. Take it as recommended by your health care provider. 

Keep sodium chloride out of the reach of children.

If you are taking sodium chloride for muscle cramps and you still have them after 24 hours, contact your health care provider. 

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

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.

Low-Salt Diet. Sodium chloride is salt. If your health care provider wants you to follow a low-salt diet, do not take sodium chloride without talking to your health care provider.

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 take sodium chloride 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 take sodium chloride while breastfeeding.

Interactions

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

Sodium chloride does not interact with any foods or drinks. But many foods have sodium in them. And it is possible to have too much sodium, so it is a good idea to pay attention to the amount of sodium you are taking in. If you are not sure how much sodium you should have, talk to your health care provider.

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

Sodium chloride 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 (oral)?

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 (oral)?

Sodium chloride is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take double or extra doses.