Oral Sodium Chloride Salt Tablets for Hyponatremia
Oral sodium chloride salt tablets are used as an adjunct for persistent hyponatremia after correction of potential causes when serum sodium is not resolving. [1]
Indication for Salt Tablet Use
Salt tablets are considered after potential causative factors have been corrected and serum sodium is not resolving in patients with urinary sodium <20 mmol/L. [1]
Dosage Regimen
- Slow Na (sodium chloride) 2 tablets QDS (four times daily) is recommended when adequate salt intake is needed in this setting. [1]
Monitoring and Reassessment
Serum electrolytes should be rechecked after sodium repletion as follows: [1]
- 6 hours if Na <120 mmol/L. [1]
- 12 hours if Na 120–126 mmol/L. [1]
- Next morning if Na >126 mmol/L. [1]
Correction Limits to Reduce Osmotic Demyelination Risk
Sodium levels should not increase by more than 8–10 mmol/L in 24 hours and 18 mmol/L in 48 hours. [1]
Clinical Clarifications
Salt tablets are not the primary therapy for acute symptomatic/severe hyponatremia where hypertonic saline is indicated for urgent neurologic symptoms. [1]
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Over-rapid correction of hyponatremia carries risk of osmotic demyelination syndrome. [1]
- Management should not be based on plasma sodium concentration alone. [1]