Sodium Chloride Uses, Supplements and Side Effects

Sodium Chloride Mineral

Denoted as NaCl, sodium chloride is an essential mineral for many animals. It is also known as common salt. It may be taken as a food additive or with a glass of water.

Sodium Chloride Uses

Common salt has vast health and nutritional benefits which include;

• It is used as a food additive to add flavor and preserve foods.
• Common salt helps absorb and transport nutrients.
• It helps with the electrolyte balance of fluids in a person’s body.
• Sodium chloride is used to treat and prevent sodium loss caused by dehydration.
• It is used in the fermenting processes for foods.

Sodium Chloride Tablets

This is a form of a common salt supplement. It is used to treat low sodium levels. However, when taken in excess, it may have side effects such as an upset stomach and throwing up.

Sodium Chloride Eye Drops

Eye drops are saline-containing drops used in the eye. They are used to treat eye redness, dryness, and tearing. Sodium Chloride water is also used to remove contact lenses from the eye.

Sodium Chloride Side Effects

Medical experts advise that if you have high sodium levels you should not take sodium chloride. This is because consuming too much common salt can result in hypertension.

Other side effects associated with high intake of this mineral may include;

• Stomach pain
• Swelling of limbs
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in breathing.

Sodium Chloride Nasal Spray

This is a type of supplement that helps clear congestion and reduce postnasal drip. It also ensures the nasal cavity remains moist. This form of supplement can be purchased over the counter (OTC) and does not require a prescription.

Sodium Chloride 0.9 Injection

It is a clear, colorless solution administered into the vein of deficient patients. It is used to;

• Treat low sodium levels.
• Replace lost body fluids and salts.
• Dilute other medicines.

Intravenous solution in adults and pediatric patients is used as a source of electrolytes and water for hydration. Patients may develop side effects such as; shortness of breath, rash, itching, and peeling of skin when they interact with this medicine.

Sodium Chloride Ointment

This form of ointment is used to reduce swelling of the cornea by taking fluid out of the cornea. Using this product may result in temporarily blurred vision. The use of machinery and other mechanical activities is highly discouraged until one regains a clear vision. Its side effects may include temporary blurred vision and eye discomfort.

Sodium Chloride In Shampoo

Sodium Chloride Saline and Sodium Chloride Water

Saline is a mixture of sodium chloride in water. saline solutions are administered intravenously or through the vein. Some of its uses include;

• It is used to treat dehydration,
• May be used as a priming fluid for hemodialysis and purification of blood
• Saline is used in cleaning wounds
• Used to remove contact lenses.

Drinking water contains about 50 mg/L sodium. Taking levels above this result in salt tasting water.

Sodium hydroxide may also be used to prevent the clogging of sewer pipes.

Sodium Chloride Inhalation

It is administered in the form of mist using a nebulizer. It is used to;

• Produce mucus that helps improve lung function in people with cystic fibrosis.
• Dilute other medications inhaled

May result in side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and extreme thirst when taken in excess

Is Sodium Chloride An Electrolyte

Yes, it is. This is because common salt readily dissolves in body fluids to form an electrolyte. This electrolyte is essential for optimum functioning of the body as it is used to;

• Transmit electrical signals to the brain
• Helps carry heat around the body

Aside from these benefits, common salt in excess can result in serious negative health effects. Excess consumption of common salt plus low potassium levels can result in high blood pressure.

Sodium Chloride For Eyes

 

Sodium Chloride Flush

It is used to clean out an intravenous (IV) catheter. A catheter is passed into the bladder to drain urine. Sodium chloride flush is used each time one uses your IV catheter. However, it should be used according to doctors’ instructions as it may cause side effects like, feeling cold and burning up, irritation around the catheter.

Intravenous sodium chloride solution is also used to supply water and salt to patients to alleviate dehydration.