Comprehensive medication guide to Sodium Chloride including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most prescription Sodium Chloride formulations are fully covered by insurance with a $0 to $10 copay, while OTC nasal sprays and ophthalmic drops are generally not covered.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Sodium Chloride outpatient formulations (nasal sprays, nebulizer vials, ophthalmic drops) typically cost $3 to $30 without insurance, with prescription formulations available as low as $7.68 with coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
75/100
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Sodium Chloride is an electrolyte replenisher and isotonic crystalloid solution used across nearly every area of medicine. It is one of the most widely administered medications in the world. Common uses include:
Off-label, nebulized hypertonic saline is commonly used for cystic fibrosis and bronchiolitis.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
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Sodium Chloride provides sodium and chloride ions — essential electrolytes that maintain fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and acid-base equilibrium in the body. When administered intravenously as a 0.9% solution (isotonic), it expands extracellular fluid volume without shifting water into or out of cells, making it ideal for rehydration and fluid resuscitation.
Hypertonic solutions (3% and 5%) draw water out of cells via osmosis, which is useful for treating severe hyponatremia (dangerously low sodium levels) or reducing cerebral edema. Nasal formulations moisturize dry nasal passages and help thin mucus for easier drainage.
IV Solution Bags — solution
0.45% (Half-Normal Saline), 0.9% (Normal Saline), 3% and 5% (Hypertonic Saline) — available in 25 mL to 1000 mL bags
IV Flush Syringes
0.9% in 3 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mL
Nasal Spray — spray
0.65% Sodium Chloride
Nebulizer Solution — solution
0.9%, 3%, and 7% concentrations
Ophthalmic Solution and Ointment — ophthalmic
2% and 5% (Muro 128)
Oral Tablets
1 g
Wound Irrigation Solution — solution
0.9%
Bacteriostatic Injection — injection
For reconstitution of compatible medications
Sodium Chloride earns a findability score of 75 out of 100, meaning it is generally available with minor gaps. The severe IV saline shortage caused by Hurricane Helene's damage to Baxter International's North Cove, North Carolina plant in September 2024 was officially resolved by the FDA in August 2025. However, given the history of recurring shortages (2014, 2017–2018, and 2024–2025), occasional supply disruptions for IV formulations remain possible. Outpatient formulations such as nasal sprays, nebulizer solutions, and ophthalmic drops are widely stocked at most pharmacies. If you're having trouble finding Sodium Chloride, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you.
Sodium Chloride is prescribed and administered by a wide range of healthcare professionals, including:
OTC nasal sprays and rinses do not require a prescription.
No, Sodium Chloride is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is not associated with abuse potential. Many Sodium Chloride formulations (nasal sprays, wound irrigation, ophthalmic drops) are available over the counter without a prescription. IV formulations require a prescription and are administered by healthcare professionals.
Serious side effects (less common) include pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure exacerbation, severe hypernatremia leading to confusion or seizures, and cerebral edema if hypertonic solutions are administered too rapidly. Use with caution in patients with heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or hypertension.
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Lactated Ringer's Solution
A balanced crystalloid containing potassium, calcium, and lactate; often preferred over normal saline for large-volume resuscitation to reduce the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis
Plasma-Lyte A
A balanced crystalloid with an electrolyte composition closer to blood plasma
Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
Provides free water and calories; used when sodium supplementation is not needed
0.45% Sodium Chloride (Half-Normal Saline)
A hypotonic alternative used for maintenance fluids and free water replacement
Prefer Sodium Chloride? We can find it.
Corticosteroids and Corticotropin
moderateCan increase sodium and water retention, raising the risk of fluid overload when combined with IV saline
Lithium
moderateSodium levels directly affect lithium clearance; increased sodium intake from IV saline can reduce lithium blood levels, potentially decreasing its effectiveness
Amphotericin B
moderateIncompatible with Sodium Chloride; do not mix in the same IV line
Diuretics
moderateMay counteract the fluid replacement effects of IV saline
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs
moderateMonitor electrolytes closely when combining with IV saline
Tolvaptan and Vasopressin Antagonists
moderateMay require dose adjustments when used alongside saline infusions
Sodium Chloride is one of the most fundamental medications in healthcare — inexpensive, widely used, and essential for everything from emergency resuscitation to sinus relief. While the 2024–2025 IV saline shortage caused significant disruption across U.S. hospitals, the FDA declared the shortage resolved in August 2025. Outpatient formulations like nasal sprays, nebulizer solutions, and ophthalmic drops remain easy to find and affordable. If you're having difficulty locating any Sodium Chloride product, Medfinder can help you search pharmacies near you to find it in stock.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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