Reports not available

Used as a diuretic or systemic and urinary acidifying agent.

Serious metabolic acidosis

Rapid IV may cause pain or irritation at the injection site or along the vein

Reactions which may occur because of solution or admin. technique include-

Febrile response, injection site infection, venous thrombosis, or phlebitis extending from injection site

Markedly impaired renal or hepatic function

Hepatic function impairment.

Metabolic acidosis due to vomiting of hydrochloric acid when it is accompanied by a loss of sodum ( excretion of sodium bicarb in urine)

Special precautions:

Hepatic function impairment-

liver may fail to convert the ammonia to urea. This may result in marked ammonia retention with intoxication and hepatic coma.

Observe patients receiving ammonium chloride for symptoms of ammonia toxicity- pallor, sweating, irregular breathing .

Use with caution in primary respiratory acidosis.

Administer slowly to avoid pain, toxic effects and local irritation

Indications:

Used as a diuretic or systemic and urinary acidifying agent.

Dosage:

Usual dose is 1g 3 times a day for no longer than 6 days.

Pharmacology:

When loss of hydrogen and chloride ions occurs, serum bicarbonate and pH rise and serum potassium falls. The ammonium ion is converted into urea in the liver.

The liberated hydrogen and chloride ions in blood and extracelluar fluid result in decreased pH and corrected alkalosis. Ammonium ion also lowers urinary pH which increases the excretion rate of basic drugs (eg. amphetamines, quinidine).