Sodium Chloride Hypertonic Solution

• Type: Saline solution with a higher salt concentration than normal body fluids (more than 0.9% sodium chloride).

• Main Use: Draws excess fluid out of tissues, helping reduce swelling or clear mucus and secretions.

How It Works

• Being hypertonic, it creates an osmotic gradient — pulling water out of swollen tissues or mucus.

• This helps reduce corneal edema (swelling) in the eye or thin mucus in the airways when used for inhalation.

Common Uses

Eye Drops/Ointment Form:

• Corneal edema (swelling of the cornea) due to conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy or after eye surgery

• Improves clarity of vision by reducing fluid buildup in the cornea

Inhalation Form (Nebulizer Solution):

• Helps loosen thick mucus in respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or severe bronchitis

• Makes coughing up mucus easier

Advantages

• Simple, non-drug solution — generally safe for most people

• Reduces swelling or clears mucus without steroids or antibiotics

• Can be used regularly for chronic conditions under medical guidance

Possible Side Effects

Eye Form:

• Temporary stinging or burning

• Mild irritation or redness

Inhalation Form:

• Coughing or throat irritation

• Rarely, bronchospasm (tightening of the airways) in sensitive patients

Precautions

• Should be used exactly as directed — overuse may cause dryness or irritation.

• Eye use: consult an eye specialist if swelling does not improve.

• Inhalation: may require supervision if used in patients with asthma or sensitive airways.

• Always use a sterile solution, especially for eye or inhalation use, to avoid contamination.