What is sodium chloride (inhalation)?
Sodium chloride is the chemical name for salt. Sodium chloride can reduce some types of
bacteria in certain body secretions, such as saliva.
Sodium chloride inhalation is used to produce sputum (mucus, or phlegm) from the
mouth in order to collect it for medical testing. This medication may also be used to dilute other
medications inhaled through a nebulizer.
Sodium chloride inhalation may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sodium chloride (inhalation)?
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:
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asthma;
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congestive heart failure;
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heart disease or high blood pressure;
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epilepsy;
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kidney or liver disease;
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migraine headaches;
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any type of edema (swelling);
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if you have recently had surgery; or
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if you are on a low-salt diet.
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.
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 should I take sodium chloride (inhalation)?
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.
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.
If you store sodium chloride at home, keep it at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of sodium chloride (inhalation)?
Since sodium chloride inhalation is sometimes used only as needed, you may not be on a
dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you
remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the
missed dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about sodium chloride (inhalation)?
Your pharmacist has information about sodium chloride (inhalation) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of sodium chloride (inhalation)?
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.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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chest pain, trouble breathing;
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feeling like you might pass out;
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swelling in your hands or feet;
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tired feeling, muscle twitching;
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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.
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).
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 avoid while taking sodium chloride (inhalation)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
after using sodium chloride inhalation.
What other drugs will affect sodium chloride (inhalation)?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
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potassium supplements;
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a diuretic (water pill);
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a steroid such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair),
mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others;
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blood pressure medications; or
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medications that contain sodium, such as Alka-Seltzer or
Zegrid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with sodium chloride inhalation. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and
over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of sodium chloride (inhalation)?