Sodium Acetate 4meq/ml Inj, 100ml

Sodium acetate provides sodium ions (Na+) and acetate ions (CH3COO-). Sodium is the principal cation of extracellular fluid and plays a large part in fluid and electrolyte balance. Acetate is a precursor of bicarbonate (HCO3-). Acetate is metabolized in the liver (and other tissues) to bicarbonate, thus acting as an alkalinizing agent and contributing to the correction of metabolic acidosis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain, cramps, or spasms
+ Weakness
+ Shakiness
+ Change in balance
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Seizures
+ Loss of appetite
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Sudden significant weight gain
* Swelling in the arms or legs

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help.

Reporting Side Effects

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have elevated sodium levels or swelling.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health issues.

Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood tests will be necessary, as directed by your doctor, to monitor your condition. Discuss the details of these tests with your doctor.

This medication may contain aluminum, which can lead to aluminum toxicity with long-term use. The risk of this toxicity is increased if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this risk with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must notify your doctor. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of taking this medication during this time, considering both your health and the health of your baby.

• Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone): May increase sodium retention and risk of hypernatremia and fluid overload.
• Drugs causing sodium retention (e.g., NSAIDs): Increased risk of hypernatremia and fluid overload.

• Lithium: Sodium administration can increase renal excretion of lithium, potentially decreasing lithium levels and efficacy. Monitor lithium levels.
• Diuretics (especially loop diuretics): May alter sodium and fluid balance, requiring careful monitoring and adjustment of sodium acetate dose.

• Signs of hypernatremia: thirst, lethargy, confusion, weakness, irritability, seizures, coma.
• Signs of fluid overload: peripheral edema, pulmonary edema (dyspnea, crackles), weight gain, elevated blood pressure, jugular venous distension.
• Signs of metabolic alkalosis (if overcorrection): muscle weakness, cramps, tetany, hypoventilation.

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. It is an essential electrolyte. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Careful monitoring of maternal fluid and electrolyte status is crucial.

Lactation Risk L3 (Moderately safe). Sodium and acetate are natural components of breast milk. While small amounts are expected to pass into breast milk, significant adverse effects on the infant are unlikely with appropriate maternal dosing. However, caution is advised, especially with large doses, and the infant should be monitored for signs of electrolyte imbalance or fluid overload.

Dosing must be highly individualized based on weight, age, and clinical condition. Pediatric patients, especially neonates and infants, have smaller fluid compartments and immature renal function, making them more susceptible to fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances (hypernatremia). Close monitoring of fluid balance, serum electrolytes, and acid-base status is critical.

Geriatric patients may have age-related decreases in renal function, cardiac reserve, and altered fluid regulation, increasing their susceptibility to hypernatremia and fluid overload. Start with lower doses and monitor fluid balance, serum electrolytes, and renal function closely. Avoid rapid infusion rates.

• Sodium acetate is a valuable component in parenteral nutrition formulations, providing both sodium and a bicarbonate precursor without adding chloride.
• It is particularly useful for correcting metabolic acidosis in patients who are also hypochloremic or where chloride restriction is desired.
• Always monitor serum electrolytes (especially sodium) and acid-base status (pH, bicarbonate) closely during administration.
• Risk of hypernatremia and fluid overload is significant, especially in patients with impaired renal or cardiac function. Administer slowly and with caution.
• The acetate component is metabolized to bicarbonate, so it contributes to the body's alkali reserve.

• For sodium replacement: Sodium Chloride Injection
• For metabolic acidosis: Sodium Bicarbonate Injection (direct bicarbonate source)
• For fluid replacement: Various IV fluid solutions (e.g., Dextrose solutions, Saline solutions)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional, do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain. If you are unsure about the proper disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time of ingestion.