Indications
Sodium acetate is a salt used as an ingredient in intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition. In Bangladesh it is found mainly in balanced salt infusions (with Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and other salts) used to replace lost fluid and salts, for example after vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding, burns or surgery; in amino acid and vitamin infusions used for nutrition by drip; and in balanced salt solutions used to rinse the eye during eye surgery. It is also used to prevent or correct acidosis (too much acid in the blood).
How It Works
It supplies sodium, which helps keep fluid in the bloodstream and supports normal nerve and muscle function. The acetate part is changed by the liver and muscles into bicarbonate, which neutralises excess acid in the blood. This makes acetate-containing fluids closer to the body’s own fluid than plain saline.
Dosage and Administration
Given by a doctor or nurse as an infusion into a vein (drip), or used as an eye irrigation fluid during surgery. The type of fluid, amount and rate depend on age, body weight, the condition being treated and blood test results, and are set by the doctor. It is not for use at home.
Interactions
- Corticosteroids and some other medicines that make the body hold sodium can increase the risk of fluid overload and swelling.
- Making the urine more alkaline can change the clearance of some medicines, for example increasing the removal of Lithium and Aspirin and reducing the removal of some others.
- Fluids that also contain potassium need care with medicines that raise potassium, such as Spironolactone, ACE inhibitors and potassium supplements.
- Other medicines are only added to these fluids after checking compatibility.
Contraindications
- High blood sodium or high blood potassium (for potassium-containing fluids).
- Alkalosis (too little acid in the blood).
- Fluid overload, or severe heart or kidney failure with swelling.
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Possible effects include pain, redness or swelling where the drip enters the vein, fluid build-up (swollen ankles, breathlessness), high sodium, and alkalosis causing muscle twitching or cramps. Eye irrigation solutions may cause brief eye irritation.
Tell the nurse or doctor straight away about breathlessness, chest pain, swelling of the face or legs, confusion, fits, muscle cramps or twitching, or pain and swelling at the drip site.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It may be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed, with the same careful monitoring of fluids and salts as for other patients.
Precautions and Warnings
- Blood salts, acid balance and fluid balance should be monitored during treatment.
- Extra care is needed in heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease (acetate is processed by the liver), high blood pressure, swelling, older people and children.
- Use only if the solution is clear and the container is undamaged.
- Eye irrigation solutions are not for injection.
Overdose
Too much fluid can cause fluid overload, high sodium and alkalosis, with swelling, breathlessness, confusion, muscle twitching or fits. The infusion is stopped and the medical team treats the effects.
Therapeutic Class
Electrolyte replenisher and alkalinising agent (intravenous fluid component).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Use once and discard any unused solution.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.