Sodium Toxicity - Medtick
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Sodium Toxicity

What is it?

Hypernatremia (when too much sodium in the blood).

  • Elevated serum sodium concentration (> 145 mEq/L).
  • It is extremely rare if one has a good thirst response and/or has plenty of water in their body.
  • Overcorrection of hypernatremia should be avoided.
    • For acute hypernatremia, serum sodium should be corrected at a rate of 5 mmol/L in the first hour (or until symptoms improve) and is limited to 10 mmol/L in a 24-hour period. For asymptomatic or mild hypernatremia, serum sodium corrections should not exceed 0.5 mmol/L/h and is limited to 10 mmol/L in a 24-hour period.

Society of Endocrinolgy

Disease or conditions causing toxicity

Syndromes

Medication

  • Diuretics
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Adrenocorticotropic steroids
  • Corticosteroids
  • Androgens i.e. used in testosterone deficiency conditions
  • Oestrogens i.e. HRT, contraceptives tablets, oestrogen supplements
  • Lithium
  • Sodium bicarbonate (found in antacids)
  • Sodium chloride

Vitamins, herbals and minerals

Sign & Symptom of toxicity

  • Muscle twitches
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness
  • Thirsty
  • Confusion
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)
  • Seizures

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have and/or develop:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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