sodium chloride
Sodium chloride inhalation is a sterile saline (salt water) solution that's breathed into the lungs using a nebulizer. It helps moisten the airways and loosen mucus so it's easier to cough up. The solution is often used for people with breathing conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. It's available in different strengths, including 0.9%, 3%, and 7%, and your dose depends on the product and why you're using it. Possible side effects include runny nose, cough, and restlessness.
What is Sodium chloride inhalation?
What is Sodium chloride inhalation used for?
- Thin and loosen thick mucus in the airways to make it easier to cough up
- Add moisture to dry or irritated airways
- Help produce mucus (sputum) for certain breathing tests
How Sodium chloride inhalation works
Sodium chloride inhalation is a mucolytic or mucus thinner. When inhaled through a nebulizer, it adds moisture to your airways. Higher-strength (hypertonic) saline also draws water into the airways, which helps thin and loosen thick mucus so it's easier to cough up.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | HyperSal |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Mucolytic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Sodium chloride inhalation
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Feeling restless
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
The following Sodium chloride inhalation side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
burning pain in lower abdomen
chest pain, severe
chills
confusion
dizziness
feeling of heat
feeling of warmth in the lips and tongue
headache (severe or dull)
loss of consciousness
nervousness
numbness of the fingertips
pain in lower back, pelvis, or stomach
ringing in the ears
seizures
sweating
thirst (sudden) or salty taste
vision problems
weakness
Incidence not known
Bad smelling discharge from the vagina
bleeding or redness at the injection site
decrease in the amount of urine
decreased urine output
dilated neck veins
extreme tiredness or weakness
full or bloated feeling
increase in bleeding from the uterus
irregular breathing or heartbeat
pain in the lower abdomen
passing of pieces of tissue from the uterus
pressure in the stomach
stomach cramping
swelling of the abdominal or stomach area
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Sodium chloride inhalation
Pros
- Doesn't contain any medication
- Not a lot of side effects
- Available in several strengths
Cons
- Requires a nebulizer
- Higher strengths require a prescription
- Doesn't treat what's causing the condition
Pharmacist tips for Sodium chloride inhalation
- Sodium chloride inhalation can make you cough more because it loosens mucus in your airways. This is expected, especially if you're using it to clear mucus or produce a sputum sample.
- Use each single-dose vial of sodium chloride inhalation right after you open it. Throw away any solution that's left because an opened vial can become contaminated.
- Storage: Keep sodium chloride inhalation solution in its original vials at room temperature until you're ready to use it.
How to use sodium chloride inhalation:
- Make sure you know how to use your nebulizer. Ask your care team or pharmacist to show you how if you're unsure.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, then place your nebulizer on a flat surface and connect the parts.
- Sit upright and turn on the nebulizer. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it, or place the face mask securely over your face.
- Take slow, deep breaths while inhaling the solution until no more mist comes out.
- After treatment, clean your nebulizer as directed by the manufacturer. Let all the parts air-dry completely before storing them to help prevent germs from growing.
Risks and warnings for Sodium chloride inhalation
Sodium chloride inhalation can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For inhalation only
Sodium chloride inhalation solution is strictly meant for inhalation through a nebulizer. Don't swallow, inject, or use it as an eye drop or nasal spray. Ask your care team for instructions on how to use this product correctly with a nebulizer.
Sodium chloride inhalation dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3ml of 0.9% | 100 vials | $14.82 | $0.15 |
| 2ml of 0.9% | 1 vial | $6.61 | $6.61 |
| 5ml of 0.9% | 100 vials | $19.20 | $0.19 |
| 10ml of 0.9% | 25 vials | $16.93 | $0.68 |
| 20ml of 0.9% | 25 vials | $29.02 | $1.16 |
| 50ml of 0.9% | 2 vials | $8.37 | $4.19 |
| 30ml of 0.9% | 25 vials | $28.80 | $1.15 |
| 4ml of 7% | 60 vials | $21.21 | $0.35 |
| 4ml of 3% | 60 vials | $17.78 | $0.30 |
| 15ml of 0.9% | 50 vials | $23.55 | $0.47 |
| 20ml of 14.6% | 1 vial | $6.63 | $6.63 |
| 40ml of 14.6% | 1 vial | $8.86 | $8.86 |
| 30ml of 23.4% | 1 vial | $8.56 | $8.56 |
Interactions between Sodium chloride inhalation and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Sodium chloride inhalation cost?
$4.86
Sodium chloride inhalation images
