Sodium chloride is an ionic compound, not only used as table salt but also as a medication. Sodium chloride is used for treating genitourinary irrigation, eye irrigation, hyponatremia, nasal congestion and general skin and wound cleansing. It is usually used as a diluent in inhaled bronchodilator and nasal spray or used to restore blood volume without affecting the osmotic pressure.
Sodium chloride is injected through a needle into a vein as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your conditions. It may also be used as eye drops, nasal spray or nasal ointment.
Nasal congestion
Child above 2 years of age, adult and elderly
Nisita nasal spray: Spray once or twice into each nostril several times daily.
Nisita nasal ointment: Introduce a 1 cm-long string of ointment into each nostril, several times daily.
Infant and child below 2 years of age
Nisita nasal spray: Spray once into each nostril several times daily.
Nisita nasal ointment: Introduce a 1 cm-long string of ointment into each nostril, several times daily.
Irrigation of the bladder, eye, general skin and wound cleansing
Child, adult and elderly
Normal saline: Use as needed.
Replacement of fluid of electrolytes
Child, adult and elderly
Individualized dosage, rate and duration based on your conditions.
Common side effects of Sodium chloride include low blood pressure, chills, skin rash, itchiness, acid-base imbalance, tremor and fever.
Common dosing schedule:
The intravenous injection is infused as directed by your physicians until the parameter reaches its target, for instance, when your blood sodium returns to normal.
The eye drop, nasal drop and nasal ointment is used as directed.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Sodium chloride may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Sodium chloride eye drops, nasal ointment and nasal spray is an over-the-counter medicine and can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. Sodium chloride injection is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Sodium Chloride in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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