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Sodium Acetate

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Sodium acetate is an electrolyte solution used primarily as a source of sodium and acetate ions for treating sodium deficiencies and metabolic acidosis. It is commonly administered intravenously in clinical settings for fluid replacement, acid-base balance, and as a component of parenteral nutrition solutions.

Quick summary

Sodium acetate is an IV electrolyte supplement used to treat sodium depletion and metabolic acidosis during fluid replacement therapy.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
B05XA08
RxNorm
56443
Generic
Sodium Acetate
Class
atc-b05
Brands
Clinimix E 4.25/10, Isolyte S in 5 % Dextrose, Normosol-R in 5 % Dextrose, Trophamine 10 %, Trophamine 6 %, Nutrilyte, Nutrilyte II, Isolyte S, Physiolyte, Physiosol, Normosol-R, Plasma-lyte 148, Plasmalyte A, Clinimix E 4.25/5, Clinimix E 2.75/5
Availability
rx
Pregnancy
C
Lactation
caution
Routes
ophthalmic
Forms
injection, solution
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

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

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Sodium acetate is generally considered to have low acute toxicity; serious overdose is rare
Chronic overdose: excessive chronic administration may lead to metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances
Immediate actions
discontinue infusion, monitor electrolytes, supportive care
Antidote
no specific antidote(supportive care is primary treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

10 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

use during pregnancy only when benefits outweigh potential risks

Monitor

regular monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

use only when benefits outweigh risks, avoid high doses

Monitor

close monitoring of maternal and fetal status

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

lactation

breastfeeding
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

considered compatible with breastfeeding

Monitor

monitor infant for electrolyte imbalances if high doses

⚠

pediatric_age

neonates
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing required

Key Recommendations

use under close medical supervision, monitor serum electrolytes

Monitor

frequent serum sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

children
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing required

Key Recommendations

calculate dose based on body weight and clinical condition

Monitor

regular serum electrolyte monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start with lower dose, adjust based on renal function

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to decreased renal function common in elderly

Monitor

monitor renal function, serum electrolytes, and fluid status

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

monitor serum sodium levels

Key Recommendations

use with caution, monitor renal function tests

Monitor

frequent serum sodium and creatinine monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

moderate to severe
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid or significantly reduce dose

Key Recommendations

avoid use in severe renal impairment unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

frequent serum electrolytes and renal function monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
safe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

generally safe, monitor liver function

Monitor

monitor liver function tests and electrolytes

⚠

alcohol_users

chronic alcohol use
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

monitor electrolytes closely as alcohol can affect electrolyte balance

Monitor

frequent serum electrolyte monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Electrolyte replacement and buffering agent in IV solutions

Used in parenteral nutrition and IV hydration solutions

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Electrolyte supplement

Classified as an electrolyte replacement agent

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly used since

Value:1970s

IV solutions containing sodium acetate have been available for decades

therapeuticClinical guidelines
2023

Primary indication

Value:Metabolic acidosis treatment

Used as a source of bicarbonate precursor

Treatment of hyponatremia (low blood sodium), correction of metabolic acidosis, and maintenance of fluid balance. Also used as a component in IV infusion solutions and dialysate fluids for renal replacement therapy.

Sodium acetate dissociates into sodium and acetate ions when administered intravenously. The acetate component is metabolized in the body to produce bicarbonate, which helps neutralize acid and raise blood pH, while sodium helps restore electrolyte balance.

Administered exclusively by intravenous infusion under medical supervision. Electrolyte levels and acid-base status should be monitored during treatment. Use with caution in patients with heart failure, kidney impairment, or conditions involving sodium retention. Contraindicated in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy