SODIUM CHLORIDE

Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 23.4%, is a concentrated, nonisotonic, sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of sodium chloride 234 mg in Water for Injection. pH adjusted with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid if necessary. Sodium chloride is an electrolyte replenisher. It occurs as colorless cubic crystals or white crystalline powder and has a saline taste. Sodium chloride is freely soluble in water; it is soluble in glycerin and slightly soluble in alcohol. The empirical formula for sodium chloride is NaCl and the molecular weight is 58.44.

Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 23.4%, is indicated as an additive in parenteral fluid therapy for use in patients who have special problems of sodium electrolyte intake or excretion. It is intended to meet the specific requirements of the patient with unusual fluid and electrolyte needs. After available clinical and laboratory information is considered and correlated, the appropriate number of milliequivalents of sodium chloride required can be withdrawn from Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 23.4% and diluted for use. Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for the treatment of sodium, chloride and water deficiencies that commonly occur in many diseases. Isotonic Sodium Chloride Injection should be limited to cases in which the chloride loss is greater than the sodium loss, as in vomiting from pyloric obstruction, or in which the loss is about equal, as in vomiting from duodenal, jejunal or ileal obstruction and in the replacement of aspirated gastrointestinal fluids. The toxic symptoms that follow various forms of intestinal obstruction are accompanied by a marked reduction of blood chloride and often sodium chloride has a lifesaving effect. Symptoms of sodium chloride deficiency are very similar to those of Addison’s disease and large doses of sodium chloride will produce temporary alleviation of the symptoms. Other disorders in which sodium chloride is therapeutically useful include extensive burns, failure of gastric secretion and postoperative intestinal paralysis.

The dosage of Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 23.4%, as an additive in parenteral fluid therapy is predicated on specific requirements of the patient after necessary clinical and laboratory information is considered and correlated. The appropriate volume is then withdrawn for proper dilution. Having determined the milliequivalents of sodium chloride to be added, divide by four to calculate the numbers of milliliters (mL) of sodium chloride to be used. Withdraw this volume aseptically and transfer the additive solution into appropriate intravenous solutions such as 5% Dextrose Injection. The properly diluted solutions may be given intravenously. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Surgical patients should seldom receive salt- containing solutions immediately following surgery unless factors producing salt depletion are present. Because of renal retention of salt during surgery, additional electrolyte given intravenously may result in fluid retention, edema and overloading of the circulation.

Parenteral administration of quantities of sodium in excess of the amount of water or sodium chloride needed or at a rate more rapid than can be accommodated by the patient’s circulatory function may result in edema and clinical findings resembling those of congestive heart failure. Adverse effects are particularly likely to develop in patients with impaired renal or cardiac function. Signs of postoperative salt intolerance include cellular dehydration, weakness, disorientation, anorexia, nausea, distention, deep respiration, oliguria and increased blood urea nitrogen.