Sodium Acetate

Generic name: Sodium Acetate [ SOW-dee-um-AS-e-tate ]
Drug classes: Minerals and electrolytes, Urinary pH modifiers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 16, 2024.

Uses of Sodium Acetate:

• It is used to treat low sodium levels.
• It is used in the diet to meet sodium needs.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sodium Acetate?

• If you have an allergy to sodium acetate or any other part of sodium acetate.
• If you are allergic to sodium acetate; any part of sodium acetate; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have high sodium levels or swelling.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with sodium acetate.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sodium acetate with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sodium Acetate?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take sodium acetate. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may contain aluminum. There is a chance of aluminum toxicity if you are on sodium acetate for a long time. The risk is greater if you have kidney problems. The risk is also higher in premature infants. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sodium acetate while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Sodium Acetate) best taken?

Use sodium acetate as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time after being added to fluids.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

Related/similar drugs

urea, tolvaptan, ure-Na, Samsca

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, seizures, not hungry, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of Sodium Acetate?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Sodium Acetate?

• If you need to store sodium acetate at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sodium acetate, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer