What are the uses of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) tablets?

From the Guidelines

Sodium chloride tablets are not typically used for the management of ascites in cirrhosis, and their use in this context is not supported by the most recent evidence. The use of sodium chloride tablets is more commonly associated with treating or preventing sodium deficiency, particularly in conditions causing excessive sodium loss 1.

Key Uses of Sodium Chloride Tablets

• Treating or preventing sodium deficiency
• Conditions causing excessive sodium loss, such as heat cramps, excessive sweating during intense physical activity, or certain medical conditions like adrenal insufficiency
• Patients taking medications that deplete sodium
• Chronic hyponatremia or conditions causing persistent vomiting or diarrhea

Important Considerations

• Patients with heart failure, kidney disease, or hypertension should use these supplements cautiously as excessive sodium can worsen these conditions
• Blood sodium levels should be monitored regularly when taking these supplements
• The standard dosage ranges from 1-2 grams (1000-2000 mg) taken 1-3 times daily with plenty of water, though specific dosing should be determined by a healthcare provider based on individual needs In the context of managing ascites in cirrhosis, hypertonic sodium chloride (3%) administration may be considered for severely symptomatic acute hyponatraemia, but its use is limited due to the risk of worsening fluid overload 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Uses of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Tablets

• Sodium Chloride (NaCl) tablets are used to treat hyponatremia, a condition where the sodium levels in the blood are lower than normal 2, 3, 4.
• NaCl tablets can be used as an alternative to intravenous 3% NaCl for selected patients with severe hyponatremia, providing a graded and predictable increase in serum sodium concentration 3.
• In the treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia, salt tablets or intravenous vaptans can be used to restrict free water consumption and correct sodium concentration 2.
• NaCl tablets can be used to deliver the equivalent of 0.5 ml/kg/h of 3% NaCl, with the objective of increasing the serum sodium concentration by 6 mEq/l 3.
• The use of NaCl tablets requires careful monitoring of the serum sodium concentration to avoid overcorrection or undercorrection of hyponatremia 5.

Administration and Monitoring

• NaCl tablets should be administered hourly, with the dose calculated to deliver the equivalent of 0.5 ml/kg/h of 3% NaCl 3.
• The serum sodium concentration should be monitored closely to avoid overcorrection or undercorrection of hyponatremia 2, 4, 5.
• The rate of correction of serum sodium concentration should be dependent on the duration, degree of hyponatremia, and the presence or absence of symptoms 4.

Clinical Considerations

• NaCl tablets should be used with caution in patients with severe hyponatremia, as rapid correction can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) 2, 4, 5.
• The treatment of hyponatremia should be individualized, taking into account the patient's volume status, symptoms, and underlying cause of the condition 2, 4.