Sodium chloride is the principle salt involved in maintaining the osmotic tension of blood and tissues, changes in osmotic tension influence the movement of fluids and diffusion of salts in cellular tissue. Sodium Chloride tablet provides a source of sodium where a deficiency exists. Sodium chloride is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. It is present in all body fluids but specially in the extracellular fluid. The amount of sodium lost (as sweat) is normally small. Osmotic balance is maintained by excretion of surplus amounts in the urine.

For the treatment and prophylaxis of Sodium Chloride deficiency.

It is important that the tablet should be swallowed whole with water (approx. 70 ml per tablet where kidney function is normal to avoid hypernatremia), and not chewed.

Adults: For prophylaxis 8-16 tablets per day. For treatment dosage to be adjusted to individual needs up to a maximum of 40 tablets per day in case of severe salt depletion. For control of muscle cramps during routine maintenance haemodialysis usually 20-32 tablets per dialysis. In some cases of chronic renal salt-wasting, up to 40 tablets per day may be required with appropriate fluid intake.

Children: Dosage should be adjusted to individual needs.

Elderly: No special dosage adjustment.

Sodium Chloride is contra-indicated in any situation where salt retention is undesirable, such as edema, heart disease, cardiac decompensation and primary or secondary aldosteronism; or where therapy is being given to produce salt and water loss.

No side effects have been reported with Sodium Chloride 300 mg tablet at the recommended dosage.

Overdose Effects

Signs and symptoms: Excessive intake of sodium chloride can result in hypernatraemia. Symptoms of hypernatraemia include restlessness, weakness, thirst, reduced salivation and lachrymation, swollen tongue, flushing of the skin, pyrexia, dizziness, headache, oliguria, hypertension, tachycardia, delirium, hyperpnoea and respiratory arrest.

Treatment: Treatment requires the use of sodium-free liquids and the cessation of excessive sodium intake. In the event of a significant overdose serum sodium levels should be evaluated as soon as possible and appropriate steps taken to correct any abnormalities. The use of a loop diuretic e.g. frusemide (with potassium supplementation as required) may be appropriate in severe cases of hypernatraemia. Levels should be monitored until they return to normal.

No special warnings and precautions are required to maintain.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use in Pregnancy: No additional precautions required during pregnancy.