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Medicines sodium chlorideQuestion & answer

sodium chloride · Medicine question

What is sodium chloride used for?

iatroX medicinesMedicine guide reviewed 21 August 2026

The answer

Answer

Depending on the formulation, it replaces sodium, chloride or fluid; carries compatible injected medicines; irrigates tissues; or washes the eye.

Sources for this answer

Sodium Chloride Injection BP 0.9% w/v — Current selected SmPCemc · Summary of Product Characteristics
Sodium Chloride 0.9 % w/v Intravenous Infusion BP — Current selected SmPCemc · Summary of Product Characteristics
Sodium chloride 5mmol/ml oral solution — Current selected SmPC

emc · Summary of Product Characteristics

Minims Saline 0.9% w/v Eye Drops Solution — Current selected SmPCemc · Summary of Product Characteristics

General medicine information. Follow the instructions for your own medicine and speak to a pharmacist or clinician about your individual circumstances.

The full medicine guide

sodium chloride

Read the wider context, including uses, precautions and the sources behind this medicine guide.

Read the sodium chloride guide

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More questions about sodium chloride

Is sodium chloride the same as salt?Can sodium chloride be taken with food?Can prolonged-release tablets be chewed or crushed?Does sodium chloride oral solution need diluting?Why are blood tests needed with sodium chloride?Can sodium chloride cause fluid retention?