Syrisal 1 mmol/ml oral solution is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of sodium chloride deficiency.

Posology

Adults (including the elderly):

The recommended dosing regimen has been impirically derived. It is therefore important that the dosage selection should be adjusted according to the age, weight, the extent of sodium deficit and clinical condition of the patient. A typical oral replacement dose of Syrisal in chronic salt-losing conditions is about 40-80 mmol (40-80 ml; 2.4-4.8 g) of sodium daily, given as divided doses. A maximum rate of administration of 10-12 mmol per litre of body water per 24 hour period, or 18 mmol/L/48 hours should observed.

Paediatric population

As for adults dosage should be adjusted to individual needs. Typically, children should receive 1- 2 mmol per kg (1-2ml/kg; 60-120 mg/kg) over a 24 hour period. In neonates, the dose should be administered in breast milk (3-4 mmol/100ml; 3-4ml/100ml) or formula milk (2 mmol/100ml; 2ml/100ml).

Renal impairment

Dose adjustment may be necessary depending on the clinical condition of the patient and close monitoring of serum sodium levels.

Method of administration

For oral administration.

The oral solution may be diluted in a glass of water or baby's bottle.

Syrisal solution should not be used to induce emesis as there is a danger of induction of hypernatraemia.

Syrisal 1mmol/ml oral solution is contra-indicated in any situation where salt retention is undesirable, such as oedema, heart disease, cardiac decompensation and primary or secondary aldosteronism; or where therapy is being given to produce salt and water loss.

Hypersensitivity to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Syrisal 1 mmol/ml Oral Solution should be administered with caution to patients with hypertension, heart failure, peripheral and pulmonary oedema, renal impairment, pre-eclampsia, or other conditions associated with sodium retention.

Patients with the above mentioned conditions should be monitored frequently during the period of medication with Syrisal oral solution. In addition, care is also required when administering this solution to very young or to elderly patients.

Pseudohyponatraemia is a condition in which spuriously low concentrations of sodium are found when plasma sodium is measured by conventional methods. It may occur when there is an abnormally high concentration of large molecules and hence an abnormally low percentage of plasma water. This may occur in hyperlipaemia and hyperproteinaemia and has also been reported in patients with diabetes mellitus. Correct values may be obtained by referring the concentration to plasma water.

Excipient(s) warning:

This product contains propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) and methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

This product also contains 1mmol (23mg) sodium per ml. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

No interaction studies have been performed. In hypertensive patients with chronic renal failure sodium chloride may tend to impair the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs. Increasing sodium serum levels may result in a decrease in serum lithium levels in patients receiving lithium therapy.

Pregnancy

No adverse effects during pregnancy are anticipated.

Breast-feeding

No adverse effects during breast-feeding are anticipated.

Fertility

Sodium chloride is not expected to have an adverse effect on fertility.

None.

Injudicious saline therapy (e.g. post-operatively and in patients with impaired cardiac or renal function) may cause hypernatraemia. The most serious effects of hypernatraemia is caused by osmotically induced water shifts that decrease intracellular volume, resulting in dehydration of internal organs, especially the brain. Dehydration of the brain may cause somnolence and confusion, progressing to convulsions, coma, respiratory failure, and death.

General adverse effects of sodium chloride excess in the body are as follows. The following adverse reactions are classified by system organ class and ranked under heading of frequency using the following convention: very common (≥ 10%), common (≥ 1% and < 10%); uncommon (≥ 0.1% and < 1%); rare (≥ 0.01% and < 0.1%), very rare (< 0.01%), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Administration of large doses may give rise to sodium accumulation, oedema, and hyperchloraemic acidosis.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Signs and symptoms.

Excessive intake of sodium chloride can result in hypernatraemia. Symptoms of hypernatraemia include restlessness, weakness, thirst, reduced salivation and lachrymation, swollen tongue, flushing of the skin, pyrexia, dizziness, headache, oliguria, hypertension, tachycardia, delirium, hyperpnoea and respiratory arrest.

Treatment.

Treatment requires the use of sodium-free liquids and the cessation of excessive sodium intake. In the event of a significant overdose serum sodium levels should be evaluated as soon as possible and appropriate steps taken to correct any abnormalities. The use of a loop diuretic e.g. frusemide (with potassium supplementation as required) may be appropriate in severe cases of hypernatraemia. Levels should be monitored until they return to normal.

ATC Code: A12CA01 Other mineral supplements, sodium.

Mode of action: Sodium chloride is the principle salt involved in maintaining the osmotic tension of blood and tissues. Changes in osmotic tension influence the movement of fluids and diffusion of salts in cellular tissue.

Syrisal 1 mmol/ml oral solution provides a source of sodium (in the form of sodium chloride) where a deficiency exists.

Absorption

Sodium chloride is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract.

Distribution

It is present in all body fluids but specially in the extracellular fluid.

Biotransformation

Sodium chloride is not significantly metabolised.

Elimination

Excess sodium is mainly excreted by the kidney, and small amounts are list in the faeces and sweat.

Linearity/non-linearity

Osmotic balance is maintained by excretion of surplus amounts in the urine.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, toxicity to reproduction and development.

Glycerol (E422)

Sodium citrate

Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)

Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)

Purified water

None known.

24 months.

Discard 30 days after first opening.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

For storage conditions after first opening of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

Bottle: Amber or clear glass

Closure: Child resistant plastic screw cap

Pack size: 100ml and 300ml

Not all pack size may be marketed.

Dosing Device: 20 ml dosage syringe with 1 ml graduation mark and a syringe adaptor

No special requirements.