Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet (ePIL).
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD.
For further information call emc accessibility on
0800 198 5000.
The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 44490/0004.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.See section 4.
What is in this leaflet:
1. What Slow Sodium is and what it is used for 2. What you need to know before you take Slow Sodium 3. How to take Slow Sodium 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Slow Sodium 6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. WHAT SLOW SODIUM IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Slow Sodium contains the active substance sodium chloride (salt) in a special slow-release form. Slow Sodium is used for the treatment and prevention of sodium chloride deficiency.
2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE SLOW SODIUM
Do not take Slow Sodium if you:
are allergic to sodium chloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6)
have fluid retention
have heart disease or failure
have aldosteronism (a condition where too much aldosterone [a hormone] is produced)
are having treatment to produce salt and water loss, usually if you have fluid retention or heart failure or have high blood pressure.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Slow Sodium if you:
have a condition of the intestines, where narrowing may occur e.g. Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or stricture (band) formation (usually after major abdominal surgery).
think you may have a problem drinking enough water.
Other medicines and Slow Sodium
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular, sodium chloride may affect medicines (e.g. furosemide, bumetanide, metolazone) used to treat high blood pressure particularly if you also have a kidney disorder.
It may still be all right for you to be given Slow Sodium and your doctor will be able to decide what is suitable for you.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
Sodium chloride should have no effect on your ability to drive and use machines.
3. HOW TO TAKE SLOW SODIUM
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Dosage
The recommended dose is:
Adults: To prevent sodium chloride deficiency: 4-8 tablets per day.
For cases of severe salt loss: Up to 20 tablets per day.
To control muscle cramps during haemodialysis (treatment with a kidney machine): 10-16 tablets.
Use in children and adolescents:
The dose will be adjusted to the child’s needs.
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water (about 70ml per tablet) and not chewed.
If you take more Slow Sodium than you should, you may feel dizzy, weak, restless, delirious and / or thirsty, have a headache, breathing problems, high blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat. If you have taken too many tablets, tell your doctor straight away or go to the nearest casualty department immediately, taking the tablet container with you.
If you forget to take Slow Sodium
If you miss a dose, take one as soon as you can. If you have missed several doses tell your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
No side effects have been reported at the recommended doses.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the yellow card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for ‘MHRA Yellow Card’ in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE SLOW SODIUM
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Store below 30°C. Store in the original container in order to protect from moisture.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. Recycle the empty packaging where possible.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION
What Slow Sodium contains
The active substance is sodium chloride.
Each prolonged-release tablet contains 600mg of sodium chloride.
The other ingredients are: cetostearyl alcohol, gelatin, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc and titanium dioxide.
What Slow Sodium looks like and contents of the pack
The tablets are biconvex, round and white.
They are available in plastic containers of 100 tablets.