Yes, Sodium Chloride Capsules Are Commercially Available
Sodium chloride capsules are a recognized and commercially available oral formulation, explicitly mentioned in clinical guidelines and used in specific medical conditions requiring sodium supplementation. 1
Clinical Evidence for Capsule Formulations
The 2021 ESPEN guidelines on chronic intestinal failure specifically state that "Most SBS patients tend to prefer the liberal use of table salt in relation to meals and on snacks, whereas others tolerate sodium chloride capsules (up to 7 g/24 h)" 1. This confirms that capsule formulations exist and are actively used in clinical practice for patients with short bowel syndrome who require substantial sodium replacement.
Additionally, the 2016 ESPEN-ESPGHAN-ECFS guidelines for cystic fibrosis recommend "sodium chloride capsules or vials" as appropriate supplementation options for older children through adults during stress situations with excessive sweating 2.
Research Supporting Capsule Use
Multiple clinical studies have evaluated sodium chloride capsules:
A 1992 study directly compared "salt in gelatine capsules" delivering 120 mmol sodium chloride daily against liquid formulations in jejunostomy patients, demonstrating that capsules were absorbed and effective, though two patients experienced vomiting 3
A 2014 case report described successful treatment of severe hyponatremia using hourly oral NaCl tablets as an alternative to IV hypertonic saline 4
A 2022 case series documented safe and effective use of oral sodium chloride tablets in elderly hospitalized patients with hyponatremia 5
A 1971 study described a slowly released oral preparation of sodium chloride given to patients in doses up to 500 mEq daily without significant gastrointestinal side effects 6
Important Clinical Considerations
Capsules may be less well-tolerated than liquid formulations in some patients. The 1992 comparative study found that glucose electrolyte solutions were better absorbed and caused fewer side effects than capsules in jejunostomy patients 3. However, many patients prefer the convenience of capsules over sipping large volumes of oral rehydration solutions 1.
The FDA-approved concentrated oral solution (23.4% sodium chloride) exists as an alternative liquid formulation 7, but this does not negate the availability of capsule forms for patients who prefer or require them.