SODIUM CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Sodium chloride is the principal extracellular cation and anion, respectively, in the body. It maintains osmotic pressure, fluid balance, and acid-base balance. It is essential for nerve conduction and muscle contraction.
| Metabolism | Sodium chloride is not metabolized; it is eliminated primarily by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: >95% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption. Fecal/biliary: negligible. |
| Half-life | Terminal half-life is approximately 24-48 hours in healthy individuals, primarily reflecting renal sodium handling and total body sodium pool; significantly prolonged in renal impairment. |
| Protein binding | None (0%). Sodium is a free ion and does not bind to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.6-0.7 L/kg, representing total body water distribution; clinical meaning: reflects extracellular fluid volume expansion. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 100% (complete absorption); IV: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | IV: immediate (seconds to minutes) for hemodynamic effects; oral: within 30-60 minutes for gastrointestinal absorption. |
| Duration of Action | IV: minutes to hours depending on volume status and renal function; oral: several hours; effects persist as long as sodium balance is maintained. |
Intravenous infusion; dose and rate depend on patient's fluid and electrolyte status; typical maintenance: 0.9% NaCl at 1-2 mL/kg/h.
| Dosage form | SOLUTION |
| Renal impairment | No specific dose adjustment; monitor serum sodium and fluid balance in impaired renal function (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²). |
| Liver impairment | No adjustment required; use cautiously in cirrhosis with ascites. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion; maintenance: 0.9% NaCl at 100 mL/kg for first 10 kg, 50 mL/kg for next 10 kg, 20 mL/kg for each kg over 20 kg per 24 h. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to increased risk of fluid overload; lower initial infusion rates recommended. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Breastfeeding | Sodium chloride is a normal constituent of breast milk. Intravenous administration at usual doses does not significantly alter milk sodium concentration. M/P ratio is not applicable as sodium is endogenously regulated. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Sodium chloride administered intravenously at physiologic concentrations does not cross the placenta in significant amounts to cause fetal harm. No teratogenic effects are reported in any trimester. Hypertonic solutions may cause maternal electrolyte disturbances with potential secondary fetal effects if used inappropriately. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hypernatremia","Fluid overload","Severe renal impairment with oliguria or anuria","Hypersensitivity to sodium chloride"]
| Precautions | ["Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal impairment, edema, or hypertension.","Monitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and renal function during prolonged therapy.","Administration of large volumes may cause fluid overload, hypernatremia, or hypochloremia.","Avoid in patients with hypervolemic states or conditions causing sodium retention."] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes and fluid status, especially in preeclampsia, cardiac or renal disease. Fetal heart rate monitoring indicated if maternal hypernatremia or volume overload occurs. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. High doses causing hypernatremia or volume overload may disrupt reproductive hormone regulation transiently. |