sodium chloride

sodium chloride n an ionic crystalline chemical compound consisting of equal numbers of sodium and chlorine atoms: SALT (1a)

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common salt: a salt of sodium that is present in all tissues and is important in maintaining the electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium chloride infusions are the basis of fluid replacement therapy after operations and for conditions associated with salt depletion, including shock and dehydration. Sodium chloride is also a basic constituent of oral rehydration therapy.

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common table salt: a mineral soluble in water and found widely distributed over the earth, such as in sea water. It is a necessary constituent of the body and consequently of the diet, making up over 90 per cent of the inorganic constituents of the blood serum, and is the principal salt involved in maintaining osmotic tension of blood and tissues. It is used in medicine [USP] for many purposes, such as in the preparation of isotonic and physiologic saline solutions; as a fluid and electrolyte replenisher; as an isotonic vehicle for drugs; as an antihypercalcemic; as an antidote to silver nitrate poisoning, administered by intravenous infusion; as a topical antiinflammatory; to irrigate wounds and body cavities; as an enema to flush the colon and promote evacuation; as a mucolytic, administered by inhalation; and as a topical osmotic agent in ophthalmology. Also used widely as a food preservative and seasoning.