AMMONIUM CHLORIDE (ah-mo'ni-um)
Classifications: electrolytic balance agent; Therapeutic: acidfier; electrolyte replacement Pregnancy Category: B
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Availability
26.75% or 5 mEq/mL solution; 500 mg tablets; 486 mg enteric-coated tablets
Action
Acidifying property is due to conversion of ammonium ion (NH4+) to urea in liver with liberation of H+ and Cl. Potassium excretion also increases acid, but to a lesser extent.
Therapeutic Effect
Effective as a systemic acidifier in metabolic alkalosis by releasing H+ ions which lower pH.
Uses
Treatment of hypochloremic states and metabolic alkalosis. Diuretic or urinary acidifying agent.
Contraindications
Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency; primary respiratory acidosis.
Cautious Use
Cardiac edema, cardiac insufficiency, pulmonary insufficiency; pregnancy (category B), lactation.
Route & Dosage
Urine Acidifier, Diuretic Adult: PO 412 g/d divided q46h Child: PO 75 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses
Metabolic Alkalosis and Hypochloremic States Adult/Child: IV Dose calculated on basis of CO2 combining power or serum Cl deficit, 50% of calculated deficit is administered slowly
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Administration
Oral
- Give after meals for best tolerance or use enteric-coated tablets. Tablets should be swallowed whole.
- Store in airtight container.
Intravenous
- Check with physician for slower rate for infants.
PREPARE: Intermittent: Dilute each 20 mL vial in 5001000 mL NS. Do not exceed a concentration of 12%.
ADMINISTER: Intermittent: Give slowly to avoid serious adverse effects (ammonia toxicity) and local irritation and pain. Give at a rate not to exceed
5 mL/min.
INCOMPATIBILITIES Solution/additive: Codeine phosphate, dimenhydrinate. Y-site: Warfarin.
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- Avoid freezing.
- Concentrated solutions crystallize at low temperatures.
- Crystals can be dissolved by placing intact container in a warm water bath and warming to room temperature.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Most secondary to ammonia
toxicity.
CNS: Headache,
depression, drowsiness, twitching, excitability; EEG abnormalities.
CV: Bradycardia and other arrhythmias.
GI: Gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia.
Metabolic: Metabolic acidosis, hyperammonia.
Respiratory: Hyperventilation.
Skin: Rash.
Urogenital: Glycosuria.
Other: Pain and irritation at
IV site.
Diagnostic Test Interference
Ammonium chloride may increase blood ammonia and AST, decrease serum magnesium (by increasing urinary magnesium excretion), and decrease urine urobilinogen.
Interactions
Drug: Aminosalicylic acid may cause crystalluria; increases urinary excretion of
amphetamines,
flecainide, mexiletine, methadone, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine; decreased urinary excretion of
sulfonylureas,
salicylates.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Completely absorbed in 36 h.
Metabolism: In liver to HCl and urea.
Elimination: Primarily in urine.
Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Assess IV infusion site frequently for signs of irritation. Change site as warranted.
- Monitor for S&S of: metabolic acidosis (mental status changes including confusion, disorientation, coma, respiratory changes
including increased respiratory rate and depth, exertional dyspnea); ammonium toxicity (cardiac arrhythmias including bradycardia,
irregular respirations, twitching, seizures).
- Monitor I&O ratio and pattern. The diuretic effect of ammonium chloride is compensatory and lasts only 12 d.
- Lab tests: Baseline and periodic determinations of CO2 combining power, serum electrolytes, and urinary and arterial pH during therapy to avoid serious acidosis.
Patient & Family Education
- Report pain at IV injection site.