Conversion of 100 mEq of Sodium Chloride to Grams
100 mEq of sodium chloride is equivalent to 5.85 grams.
Calculation Explanation
The conversion from milliequivalents (mEq) to grams for sodium chloride involves understanding the molecular weight and valence of the compound:
Molecular Weight Calculation:
- Sodium (Na): 23 g/mol
- Chloride (Cl): 35.5 g/mol
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl): 58.5 g/mol
Conversion Formula:
- For sodium chloride: 1 mEq = 58.5 mg (or 0.0585 g)
- Therefore: 100 mEq × 0.0585 g/mEq = 5.85 grams
Clinical Context
This conversion is particularly important in clinical settings where sodium chloride is used for:
- Electrolyte replacement therapy
- Treatment of hyponatremia
- Fluid management in patients with chronic kidney disease
- Salt supplementation in conditions with excessive sodium loss
Sodium Chloride Supplementation Guidelines
In clinical practice, sodium chloride dosing varies by patient population:
- Adults: Typical supplementation ranges from 1-5 g daily based on clinical need 1
- Pediatric patients: Dosing is weight-based:
- Infants 0-6 months: 1-2 mmol/kg/day (may increase to 4 mmol/kg/day in special circumstances)
- Older children: Individualized based on losses 2
Practical Equivalents
For reference in clinical practice:
- 100 mEq sodium chloride = 5.85 g sodium chloride
- 100 mEq sodium = 2.3 g sodium (which is approximately the recommended daily upper limit for sodium intake) 2
- 1 teaspoon of table salt contains approximately 2,300 mg of sodium 2
Common Pitfalls in Sodium Chloride Calculations
Confusing sodium with sodium chloride: Remember that 100 mEq of sodium is different from 100 mEq of sodium chloride.
Mixing units: Be careful not to confuse mmol with mEq (for sodium chloride they are equivalent, but this is not true for all electrolytes).
Dosage form considerations: Sodium chloride oral solution 23.4% contains 4 mEq/ml 3, so 100 mEq would equal 25 ml of this solution.
This conversion is essential for accurate medication dosing and electrolyte management in clinical practice.