Excessive intake of sodium chloride can result in hypernatraemia. Symptoms of hypernatraemia see Adverse Reactions. In patients with mild sodium excess, giving water by mouth and restricting sodium intake is sufficient. In the event of recent acute oral overdose of sodium chloride, gastric lavage should be carried out along with general symptomatic and supportive treatment. Serum-sodium concentrations should be measured. In more severe conditions, glucose 5% may be given by slow intravenous infusion. Alternatively, some recommend the use of sodium chloride 0.9% if volume depletion is severe. Care is required, as too rapid correction can induce cerebral oedema, particularly in chronic conditions. If the total body sodium is too high, loop diuretics may be used to increase sodium excretion, with fluid losses being replaced by an infusion of glucose 5% and potassium chloride. It has also been suggested that dialysis may be necessary if there is significant renal impairment, if the patient is moribund, or if the serum-sodium concentration is greater than 200 mmol/litre.
Sign Out
