sodium chloride (inhalation)
What is the most important information I should know about sodium chloride inhalation?
Before using sodium chloride inhalation, tell your doctor if you have asthma, congestive heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, kidney or liver disease, migraine headaches, any type of edema (swelling), if you have recently had surgery, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially potassium supplements, diuretics, steroids, blood pressure medications, or medications that contain sodium (such as Alka-Seltzer or Zegrid).
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Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling in your hands or feet, feeling like you might pass out, tired feeling, muscle twitching, confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased or decreased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling. |
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using sodium chloride inhalation?
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You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to sodium chloride inhalation. |
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using sodium chloride inhalation, tell your doctor if you have:
- asthma;
- congestive heart failure;
- heart disease or high blood pressure;
- epilepsy;
- kidney or liver disease;
- migraine headaches;
- any type of edema (swelling);
- if you have recently had surgery; or
- if you are on a low-salt diet.
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sodium chloride inhalation is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether sodium chloride inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How is sodium chloride inhalation given?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Sodium chloride inhalation is given using a nebulizer. You will inhale the medication through a face mask, mouth piece, or other device connected to the nebulizer.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider can show you how to properly use the nebulizer.
Sodium chloride is a liquid that is placed into the medication chamber of the nebulizer. A mouthpiece or face mask is then attached to the drug chamber, along with an air compressor.
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To prepare for inhaling sodium chloride through a nebulizer, you may be given another inhaled medication to prevent bronchospasm (muscle contractions within the airways of the lungs). Your doctor may also ask you to blow your nose, rinse your mouth with water, or wipe the inside of your mouth with a tissue. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for best results. |
In most cases, you will use this medication while you are sitting upright in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly while you are using the mask, mouthpiece, or other breathing device. You may also be given a nose clip to wear that will close your nasal passages so that you inhale only through your mouth.
If you are using this medication as part of a sputum test, you will need to spit about every 5 minutes or as directed by your healthcare provider. Cough deeply from your chest to produce an optimal specimen for testing.
Continue breathing through the nebulizer for as long as directed by your doctor. Once you have completed the inhalation for the prescribed amount of time, throw away any liquid that is left in the medicine chamber. Do not save it for later use.
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If you store sodium chloride at home, keep it at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Tell your caregivers at once if you think you have used too much of this medicine. |
Overdose symptoms may include increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, fast heart rate, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
What are the possible side effects of sodium chloride inhalation?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- chest pain, trouble breathing;
- feeling like you might pass out;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- tired feeling, muscle twitching;
- confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased or decreased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Less serious side effects may include a salty taste or slight burning or irritation in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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