Sodium Chloride Tablets

What is this medication?

SODIUM CHLORIDE (SOE dee um KLOOR ide) prevents and treats low levels of sodium in your body. Sodium plays an important role in your hydration level and the health of your muscles and nervous system.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High levels of sodium in the blood
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low salt or sodium diet
• An unusual or allergic reaction to any medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label. The tablet may be swallowed whole or dissolved in water to make a solution that can be swallowed. If dissolving the tablet, mix with 4 ounces (120 mL) of distilled water and use exactly as directed. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you take this medication on a regular basis, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Lithium
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Stop taking this medication and tell your care team if your symptoms of heat cramps continue for more than 24 hours or if they get worse. You may have a serious medical condition.

Each tablet contains 394 mg of sodium. Inform your care team if you are on a low salt or sodium diet.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High sodium level—confusion, increased thirst, muscle weakness, unusual weakness or fatigue, twitching muscles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.