Sodium chloride is the chemical name for salt. Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates the amount of water in your body. Sodium also plays a part in nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Sodium chloride is used to treat or prevent sodium loss caused by dehydration, excessive sweating, or other causes.

Sodium chloride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take sodium chloride if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have high sodium levels in your blood.

Before you take sodium chloride, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, fluid retention (especially around your legs or your lungs), congestive heart failure, preeclampsia of pregnancy if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you are allergic to any foods or drugs.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Stop using sodium chloride and call your doctor at once if you have stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, or swelling in your hands or feet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using sodium chloride.

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take sodium chloride with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Sodium chloride may be taken with or without food.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using sodium chloride.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not take sodium chloride if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have high sodium levels in your blood.

To make sure you can safely take sodium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high blood pressure;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease (especially cirrhosis);

• a buildup of fluid around your lungs (also called pleural effusion);

• fluid retention (especially swelling in your ankles or feet );

• congestive heart failure;

• if you are pregnant and you have high blood pressure and fluid retention (also called preeclampsia);

• if you are allergic to any foods or drugs; or

• if you are on a low-salt diet.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sodium chloride will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether sodium chloride 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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fast or uneven heart rate, weakness, swelling in your hands or feet, feeling restless or irritable, slow breathing, feeling short of breath, or seizure (convulsions).

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using sodium chloride and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• nausea and vomiting;

• stomach pain; or

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There may be other drugs that can interact with sodium chloride. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.