From the Guidelines
Sodium chloride 2g bid is not recommended for patients with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, as it exceeds the suggested daily sodium intake of less than 2g per day. This dosage is typically not prescribed to help maintain proper sodium levels in patients with conditions like hyponatremia (low blood sodium) or certain adrenal disorders, as the recommended daily intake is less than 2g per day 1. To manage blood pressure in chronic kidney disease, the kdigo 2021 clinical practice guideline suggests targeting a sodium intake of less than 2g per day (or less than 90 mmol of sodium per day, or less than 5g of sodium chloride per day) 1.
Important Considerations
- Patients with heart failure, kidney disease, or hypertension should use sodium supplements cautiously and only under medical supervision.
- Sodium is essential for nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and blood pressure regulation, but excessive intake can worsen certain medical conditions.
- Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor sodium levels while on this regimen.
- A low-sodium diet does not equate to tasteless food, and many varieties of flavor enhancers are available to make food more appealing and palatable 1.
Key Points to Remember
- The recommended daily sodium intake is less than 2g per day for patients with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease 1.
- Sodium chloride 2g bid exceeds the recommended daily sodium intake.
- Patients with certain medical conditions should use sodium supplements with caution and under medical supervision.
From the Research
Indication for Sodium Chloride
- The indication for Sodium chloride 2 grams twice daily (bid) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies as a specific treatment regimen.
- However, the studies discuss the recommended daily intake of sodium and its relationship with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- According to 2, aiming for sodium intakes of 2--3 g/day in the general population and as low as 2 g/day in persons with hypertension or CVD seems most reasonable.
- Study 3 suggests that a moderate range of dietary sodium (2.3-4.6g/day) is not associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases when sodium intakes exceed 5 g/day.
- It can be inferred that a dosage of 2 grams twice daily (4 grams total) may be recommended for certain individuals, such as those with hypertension or CVD, as part of a larger strategy to reduce sodium intake and manage cardiovascular risk 2, 3.
- However, it is essential to note that the studies do not provide a direct indication for Sodium chloride 2 grams twice daily (bid) as a treatment regimen, and any such recommendation should be based on individual patient needs and medical guidance.