Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 15ml
It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.It is used to mix with other drugs for use in a special machine (nebulizer).It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Mucolytic agent; Respiratory agent
Pharmacologic Class
Osmotic agent; Electrolyte solution
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Sodium Chloride 3% Nebulizer Solution is a salty water solution that you breathe in using a nebulizer. It helps to thin the thick mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up and clear your airways. This can help you breathe more easily.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To use this medication properly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You will inhale this medication through your mouth using a special machine called a nebulizer. Your doctor will show you how to use the nebulizer correctly.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Protect it from heat and keep it out of reach of children and pets. When you're finished with the medication or it expires, dispose of it properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you're unsure about how to dispose of your medication, ask your pharmacist. You may also have access to local drug take-back programs.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take this medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you use this medication as needed, do not use it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication properly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You will inhale this medication through your mouth using a special machine called a nebulizer. Your doctor will show you how to use the nebulizer correctly.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Protect it from heat and keep it out of reach of children and pets. When you're finished with the medication or it expires, dispose of it properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you're unsure about how to dispose of your medication, ask your pharmacist. You may also have access to local drug take-back programs.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take this medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you use this medication as needed, do not use it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, as this also helps to thin mucus.
- Follow proper nebulizer cleaning and maintenance procedures to prevent infections.
- Perform airway clearance techniques (e.g., chest physiotherapy, huff cough) as instructed by your healthcare provider to maximize the benefit of the medication.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 1000ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 250ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 50ml
- Sodium Chloride 1gm Tablets
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 10ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 50ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 20ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45%/20meqkcl
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% W/ 20meq Kcl
- Sodium Chloride 4meq/ml (23.4%) Inj
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Excel Inj 250ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 30x3ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 50ml
- Sod Chloride 23.4% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 500ml
- Sodium Chloride 2.5meq/ml Inj, 40ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 15ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 100 X 5ml
- Sodium Chloride 10% Neb Soln, 15ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 5ml
- Sodium Chloride 5% Ophth Oint 3.5gm
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 10ml
- Sodium Chloride 7% Neb Sol 60x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 23.4% Inj, 200ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 25 X 5ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 100 X 3ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Neb Sol 50 X 15ml
- Sodium Chloride 10% Neb Sol 60x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj, 2ml
- Sodium Chloride 2.5meq/ml Inj, 20ml
- Sodium Chloride 2.5meq/ml Inj, 40ml
- Sod Chloride 4meq/ml Inj, 25x30ml
- Sod Chloride 5% Ophth Soln 15ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 1000ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 30x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 7% Neb Sol 30x4ml
- Sodium Chloride 3% Neb Sol 60x4ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 250ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 150ml
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Inj,100ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 25ml
- Sod Chloride 0.9% Inj, 125ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 250ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 50ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45% Inj, 100ml
- Sod Chloride 5% Inj, 500ml
- Sod Chloride 0.45%/20meq Kcl
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
4 mL of 3% solution via nebulizer 2 to 4 times daily
Dose Range:
2 - 5 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Cystic Fibrosis:
4 mL of 3% to 7% solution via nebulizer 2 to 4 times daily
Bronchiolitis (off-label):
4 mL of 3% solution via nebulizer every 4-6 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with caution, often 2-4 mL of 3% solution)
Infant:
4 mL of 3% solution via nebulizer every 4-6 hours (for bronchiolitis, off-label)
Child:
4 mL of 3% solution via nebulizer 2 to 4 times daily
Adolescent:
4 mL of 3% solution via nebulizer 2 to 4 times daily
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed; minimal systemic absorption
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) creates an osmotic gradient across the airway surface, drawing water from the submucosa and cells into the airway lumen. This rehydrates the airway surface liquid, thins tenacious mucus, and improves mucociliary clearance. It can also induce a cough reflex, further aiding in sputum expectoration.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption (primarily local action in airways)
Tmax:
Not applicable (local action)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (local action)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (local action)
Clearance:
Not applicable
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (primarily cleared from airways via mucociliary escalator and expectoration)
Unchanged:
Not applicable
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within minutes of inhalation
PeakEffect:
Within 10-30 minutes
DurationOfAction:
Approximately 1-2 hours (effect on mucus clearance)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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 for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice 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.
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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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 for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice 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.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Sudden worsening of breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
- Increased wheezing or chest tightness after inhalation
- Severe coughing fits that do not resolve
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rare): rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing
Before Using This Medicine
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, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health conditions with your doctor.
* Any health problems you have, as they may interact with this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health conditions with your doctor.
* Any health problems you have, as they may interact with this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you must discuss this with your doctor. This conversation will help you understand the potential benefits and risks of taking this drug, both for you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Unlikely with nebulized administration due to minimal systemic absorption.
- Systemic overdose of sodium chloride (e.g., IV administration) can lead to hypernatremia, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalance, with symptoms such as thirst, confusion, lethargy, seizures, and coma.
What to Do:
If accidental ingestion or systemic symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is supportive and aimed at correcting electrolyte imbalances.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, ipratropium): Hypertonic saline can cause bronchospasm in some sensitive individuals. It is often recommended to administer a short-acting bronchodilator prior to hypertonic saline inhalation, especially in patients with reactive airway disease.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Respiratory assessment (lung sounds, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation)
Rationale: To establish baseline respiratory status and identify potential for bronchospasm.
Timing: Prior to first dose
Routine Monitoring
Respiratory status (cough, sputum production, ease of breathing, wheezing)
Frequency: Before and after each dose, or as clinically indicated
Target: Improvement in symptoms, decreased sputum viscosity
Action Threshold: Worsening dyspnea, increased wheezing, or significant cough/bronchospasm requiring intervention
Oxygen saturation (SpO2)
Frequency: As clinically indicated, especially in patients with underlying respiratory compromise
Target: >92% or patient's baseline
Action Threshold: Significant drop in SpO2
Symptom Monitoring
- Increased cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Increased sputum production
- Sore throat or irritation
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. Consult with a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk; minimal systemic exposure.
Second Trimester:
Low risk; minimal systemic exposure.
Third Trimester:
Low risk; minimal systemic exposure.
Lactation
Considered safe during breastfeeding. Sodium chloride is a natural component of breast milk, and nebulized administration results in negligible systemic absorption by the mother, posing no risk to the infant.
Infant Risk:
Very low risk (L1)
Pediatric Use
Commonly used in pediatric populations, particularly for conditions like bronchiolitis and cystic fibrosis. Dosing may vary by age and weight. Close monitoring for bronchospasm is important, especially in infants and young children.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically required. Use with caution in patients with severe underlying cardiac or renal conditions if there is any concern for systemic absorption, though this is rare with nebulized administration.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Pre-treatment with a short-acting bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol) is often recommended, especially for patients with reactive airway disease or a history of bronchospasm, to minimize the risk of hypertonic saline-induced bronchoconstriction.
- Patients should be instructed on proper nebulizer technique to ensure effective delivery of the solution to the airways.
- Hypertonic saline can induce coughing; this is often a desired effect as it aids in mucus clearance. However, excessive or severe coughing should be monitored.
- Not for intravenous use. For inhalation only.
Alternative Therapies
- Isotonic saline (0.9% Sodium Chloride) nebulizer solution (less effective for mucus thinning)
- Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) - for cystic fibrosis patients to break down DNA in mucus
- N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) - another mucolytic agent
- Airway clearance techniques (e.g., chest physiotherapy, high-frequency chest wall oscillation)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $50 per 30 x 15mL vials
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.