Indications
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (often called NaDCC) is a chlorine-releasing disinfectant. In tablet form it is used to make drinking water safe at home or in emergencies, such as floods, by killing germs that cause diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid. Stronger tablets or granules are used to disinfect surfaces, floors, toilets, hospital equipment and blood or body fluid spills. It is not a medicine to be swallowed directly.
How It Works
When dissolved in water, it slowly releases hypochlorous acid (free chlorine). This chlorine damages the cell walls and inner parts of bacteria, viruses and some parasites, killing them. The release is steady, so treated water stays protected for a while.
Dosage and Administration
Use only as directed on the label. For drinking water, the tablet size is matched to a set volume of water (for example, one tablet for a stated number of litres). Use clear water, or filter cloudy water through a clean cloth first. Drop the tablet in, stir or shake, and wait at least 30 minutes before drinking. Never swallow the tablets, and never use disinfection strength tablets for drinking water.
Interactions
Do not mix with acids (such as some toilet cleaners) or ammonia-containing cleaners, as this releases toxic chlorine gas. Do not mix with other disinfectants. It is not known to interact with medicines when used correctly in drinking water.
Contraindications
- Do not swallow tablets or use undiluted solution on skin, eyes or wounds.
- Do not use drinking water tablets for people on dialysis to prepare dialysis water.
Side Effects
Correctly treated water may taste or smell slightly of chlorine; this is harmless. Contact with strong solutions or tablets can irritate the skin, eyes and airways. Swallowing tablets can burn the mouth and stomach.
Get urgent medical help if tablets are swallowed (especially by a child), if strong solution gets in the eyes and pain continues after rinsing, or if breathing problems occur after breathing in fumes.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Water treated at the correct strength is safe to drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and helps protect against water-borne infections.
Precautions and Warnings
- Keep tablets away from children; some look like sweets or medicine.
- Use gloves when handling disinfection strength products, and work in a ventilated area.
- Treated water should be stored in a clean, covered container and used within 24 hours.
Overdose
If a tablet is swallowed, rinse the mouth, give small sips of water and seek medical help immediately. Do not make the person vomit.
Therapeutic Class
Chlorine-releasing disinfectant; water purification agent.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry, cool place in the tightly closed original container, away from light, acids and other chemicals, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.