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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using sodium chloride inhalation (Broncho Saline, Hyper-Sal, Sodium Chloride, Inhalation)?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to sodium chloride inhalation.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using sodium chloride inhalation, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma;
• congestive heart failure;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• epilepsy;
• kidney or liver disease;
• migraine headaches;
• any type of edema (swelling);
• if you have recently had surgery; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sodium chloride inhalation is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether sodium chloride inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is sodium chloride inhalation given (Broncho Saline, Hyper-Sal, Sodium Chloride, Inhalation)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Sodium chloride inhalation is given using a nebulizer. You will inhale the medication through a face mask, mouth piece, or other device connected to the nebulizer.

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider can show you how to properly use the nebulizer.

Sodium chloride is a liquid that is placed into the medication chamber of the nebulizer. A mouthpiece or face mask is then attached to the drug chamber, along with an air compressor.

To prepare for inhaling sodium chloride through a nebulizer, you may be given another inhaled medication to prevent bronchospasm (muscle contractions within the airways of the lungs). Your doctor may also ask you to blow your nose, rinse your mouth with water, or wipe the inside of your mouth with a tissue. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for best results.

In most cases, you will use this medication while you are sitting upright in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly while you are using the mask, mouthpiece, or other breathing device. You may also be given a nose clip to wear that will close your nasal passages so that you inhale only through your mouth.

If you are using this medication as part of a sputum test, you will need to spit about every 5 minutes or as directed by your healthcare provider. Cough deeply from your chest to produce an optimal specimen for testing.

Continue breathing through the nebulizer for as long as directed by your doctor. Once you have completed the inhalation for the prescribed amount of time, throw away any liquid that is left in the medicine chamber. Do not save it for later use.

If you store sodium chloride at home, keep it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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