ammonium chloride

medtigo

ammonium chloride

Brand Name :

N/A

Synonyms :

ammonium chloride

Class :

Parenteral Electrolyte Supplements

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

Mechanism of Action:

Acidifying Agent: ammonium chloride is an acidifying agent. When ingested or administered, it dissociates into ammonium ions (NH4+) and chloride ions (Cl-).

Spectrum of Activity:

Pharmaceutical Applications: ammonium chloride is used as an expectorant in cough medicines to help thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up.
Industrial Applications: In these applications, it can act as a flux, which helps remove oxide coatings from metals during soldering or welding processes.

Dosing & Uses

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined

Rash

Seizure

Drowsiness

Ammonia toxicity symptoms

Hypokalemia

Abdominal pain

Hyperventilation

Metabolic acidosis

EEG abnormalities

Mental confusion

Injection site reactions

Calcium-deficient tetany

Hyperchloremia

Nausea/vomiting

Black Box Warning

Black box warning:

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution:

Contraindications:

Severe Liver or Kidney Disease: ammonium chloride can increase the body’s acidity, and it may worsen the condition in these individuals.
Urinary Tract Infections: ammonium chloride may further acidify the urine, exacerbating the symptoms and discomfort associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Gastric Ulcers or Gastritis: ammonium chloride’s acidic properties may aggravate the symptoms of gastric ulcers or gastritis, leading to increased pain, irritation, or inflammation of the stomach lining.
Respiratory acidosis: ammonium chloride can increase the acidity of the respiratory secretions, which may worsen respiratory acidosis.
Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to ammonium chloride should avoid its use to prevent allergic reactions or adverse effects.

Caution:

Electrolyte Imbalances: ammonium chloride can affect the balance of electrolytes in the body, particularly chloride ions. Individuals with pre-existing electrolyte imbalances should use ammonium chloride with caution.
Medications and Supplements: ammonium chloride can interact with certain medications or supplements, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Pediatric and Geriatric Use: Special caution should be exercised when using ammonium chloride in children or older adults, as they may be more susceptible to its effects or have underlying health conditions that its use can exacerbate.
Skin and Eye Contact: ammonium chloride can cause irritation or burns if it touches the skin or eyes.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: C

Lactation: N/A

Pregnancy category:

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

The pharmacology of ammonium chloride primarily involves its acidifying properties and its effects on acid-base balance in the body.

Acidifying Agent
Urinary Acidification
Acid-Base Balance
Expectorant effect

Pharmacodynamics:

The pharmacodynamics of ammonium chloride primarily involve its effects on acid-base balance and its ability to acidify various bodily fluids.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption

When ingested orally, it is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be absorbed through the respiratory system if inhaled or through the skin if applied topically in specific formulations.

Distribution

Once absorbed, ammonium chloride quickly enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. It can cross cell membranes and distribute into various tissues and body fluids. ammonium ions (NH4+) can freely pass through cell membranes due to their small size and lipophilicity.

Metabolism

ammonium chloride does not undergo significant metabolism in the body. It primarily functions as an acidifier and is primarily excreted unchanged.

Elimination and Excretion

The main route of excretion for ammonium chloride is through the kidneys. The kidneys filter and excrete the excess ammonium ions (NH4+) in the urine, resulting in the acidification of the urine. Some ammonium ions may also be excreted through sweat and feces, although to a lesser extent.

Adminstartion

Administration:

Oral Administration: ammonium chloride is commonly administered orally in tablets, capsules, or syrup. It is often used as an expectorant in cough medications.
Inhalation: ammonium chloride can be administered via inhalation for respiratory conditions. Inhalation can be achieved using nebulizers or inhalers specifically designed for ammonium chloride formulations.
Topical Application: ammonium chloride may be applied topically to the skin. It can be found in topical preparations, such as creams or ointments, used for specific dermatological conditions.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: ammonium chloride

Why do we use ammonium chloride?

ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) has several uses across different industries and applications.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

Expectorant: ammonium chloride is used as an expectorant as it helps to thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
Acidifying Agent: ammonium chloride is used as an acidifying agent to adjust the pH of specific formulations.

Laboratory and Chemical Industry:

Reagent: It is used for pH control, protein precipitation, and buffer preparation.
Metalwork and Soldering: ammonium chloride is a flux in metalwork and soldering applications.

Agriculture and Animal Feed:

Fertilizer: ammonium chloride is used as a nitrogen-based fertilizer in agriculture. It provides plants with a source of nitrogen, which is essential for their growth and development.
Feed Additive: ammonium chloride can be added to animal feed as a source of dietary nitrogen for livestock.

Textile Industry:

Dyeing and Printing: ammonium chloride is used in textile printing and dyeing processes. It helps to fix dyes in the fabric and improve color fastness.

Electroplating:

Electroplating Bath Additive: ammonium chloride is added to electroplating baths as an additive to improve the quality and uniformity of the metal plating.

ammonium chloride

No data available for drug.

DRUG INTERACTION

ammonium chloride

&

ammonium chloride +

Contraindicated

Serious Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

ammonium chloride

No data available for drug.

DRUG INTERACTION

ammonium chloride

&

ammonium chloride +

Contraindicated

Serious Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

medtigo

ammonium chloride

Brand Name :

Synonyms :

Class :

Action and Spectrum

Dosing & Uses

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

CONTACT INFORMATION

ADDRESS

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