Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride is an essential mineral supplement containing sodium and chloride ions that are vital for maintaining proper fluid balance, electrolyte homeostasis, and normal cellular function in the body. It is used to treat or prevent sodium and chloride deficiencies, support hydration therapy, and serve as a component in various therapeutic solutions for wound care and nasal irrigation.
An essential mineral supplement used to maintain electrolyte balance and support hydration in patients with sodium or chloride deficiencies.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A12CA01
- RxNorm
- 9863
- Generic
- Sodium Chloride
- Class
- atc-a12
- Brands
- SaltAire, Cleanoz Saline, Pretz, Clinimix E 4.25/10, Extraneal, Nebusal, Mycinaire, Aminosyn II 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Aminosyn 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Isolyte S in 5 % Dextrose, Normosol-R in 5 % Dextrose, Trophamine 10 %, Trophamine 6 %, Plasma-Lyte 56 in 5 % Dextrose, Nasadrops
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, ophthalmic, nasal, topical
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, solution, spray, tablet, ointment, gel
- 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
- Usual dose
- 1000mL normal saline 0.9%
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mL/kg normal saline 0.9%
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed for volume replacement
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500mL normal saline 0.9%
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
generally considered safe for hydration and electrolyte replacement during pregnancy
monitor blood pressure and fluid balance
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
generally considered safe for hydration and electrolyte replacement during pregnancy
monitor blood pressure and fluid balance
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
generally considered safe for hydration and electrolyte replacement during pregnancy
monitor blood pressure and fluid balance
lactation
postpartumno adjustment needed
safe for use while breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
neonatesadjust dose based on weight and age
use with caution in neonates; appropriate concentrations must be used
monitor electrolytes and fluid balance closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantsadjust dose based on weight and age
use with caution in infants; appropriate concentrations must be used
monitor electrolytes and fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlymay require dose adjustment based on renal function
use with caution in elderly patients due to potential renal and cardiovascular changes
monitor blood pressure, renal function, and fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildmay require dose adjustment based on renal function
use with caution in mild renal impairment
monitor renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution; may require reduced dose or avoided in severe cases
use with caution in moderate to severe renal impairment
closely monitor renal function, electrolytes, and fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment typically needed
generally safe for use in hepatic impairment
routine monitoring of electrolytes
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for IV saline solutions
Drug class
Drug class information for Sodium Chloride
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for Sodium Chloride formulations
Treatment and prevention of sodium and chloride deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration from various causes, and as a component in IV hydration therapy, nasal irrigation solutions, and wound cleansing.
Sodium chloride dissociates into sodium and chloride ions, which are essential electrolytes that regulate fluid distribution, maintain blood pressure, support nerve impulse transmission, and enable proper muscle contraction and cellular function.
Use with caution in patients with heart failure, kidney disease, or conditions causing fluid retention. Blood pressure and electrolyte levels should be monitored during prolonged use. Oral intake is preferred for mineral supplementation when possible.
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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy