Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium chloride is a systemic acidifying agent used primarily to correct metabolic alkalosis and to acidify the urine when medically indicated. It also has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and thin respiratory secretions. This medication is typically administered in clinical settings under medical supervision.
Ammonium chloride is an acidifying medication used to treat metabolic alkalosis and as an expectorant for respiratory conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- b05
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Ammonium Chloride
- Class
- atc-b05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 2
- Onset (min)
- 15
- Duration (h)
- 4
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- syrup, tablet, powder
- Regions
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia
- Monitoring
- blood electrolytes, acid-base balance, urinary pH
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only when benefits outweigh potential risks
fetal monitoring as needed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid close to delivery due to potential effects on fetus
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
ammonia can pass into breast milk; consider alternative therapy
monitor infant for symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantsdo not use
not recommended for infants due to immature renal function and risk of metabolic disturbances
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 12reduced dose required
use with caution; monitor for metabolic changes
regular monitoring of acid-base balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlydose reduction recommended
use with caution due to reduced renal function and electrolyte imbalance risk
monitor renal function and electrolytes regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildreduce dose
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderateavoid or significantly reduce
not recommended due to reduced excretion
frequent monitoring required if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severedo not use
contraindicated in severe renal impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
monitor liver function; ammonia metabolism may be impaired
monitor ammonia levels and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment due to ammonia metabolism
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for expectorant formulations
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Treatment of metabolic alkalosis (a condition with excessively alkaline blood), urinary acidification when needed, and as an expectorant in cough preparations to help loosen and expel respiratory mucus.
Ammonium chloride dissociates into ammonium and chloride ions in the body. The ammonium is converted to urea in the liver, releasing hydrogen ions that help lower blood pH, thereby correcting alkalosis. As an expectorant, it stimulates respiratory secretions to help clear mucus.
Must be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment, as these organs are involved in metabolizing and excreting the drug. Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort and potential for inducing metabolic acidosis if overused. Typically administered intravenously in clinical settings.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy