Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride is an ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCl, representing a 1:1 ratio of sodium and chloride ions.

Sodium Chloride is a sterile, nonpyrogenic electrolyte solution indicated for general irrigation, washing, rinsing, and dilution purposes including blood cell washing. The product is contraindicated for injection by usual parenteral routes and should not be used during electrosurgical procedures. Adverse effects are generally avoidable with proper procedural technique, though displaced catheters, excessive pressure, and contamination pose risks. Clinical use requires adherence to proper irrigation protocols to prevent complications.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is an ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCl. It is transparent or translucent, brittle, and hygroscopic. In its edible form, it is commonly used as a condiment and food preservative. Large quantities of sodium chloride are used in many industrial processes, and it is a major source of sodium and chlorine compounds used as feedstocks for further chemical synthesis.

Approved indications

• General irrigation
• Washing
• Rinsing
• Dilution purposes
• Blood cell washing

Common side effects

• Hives
• Nausea

Serious adverse events

• Infection

Drug interactions

• Lithium
• Furosemide
• Digoxin
• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus
• Vancomycin
• Amphotericin B
• Aminoglycosides
• Cisplatin
• Mannitol
• Fenoldopam
• Dobutamine

Patents

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Sodium Chloride CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Sodium Chloride updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Pfizer portfolio CI