sodium

Sodium is a chemical element (symbol Na) and an essential mineral and electrolyte in the human body. It plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. In medicine, "sodium" most commonly refers to its use as part of compounds such as sodium chloride (table salt), which is used to treat or prevent low blood levels of sodium (hyponatremia), dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances. Sodium supplementation may be administered orally or intravenously depending on clinical need. Excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks[2][4][8]. Sodium itself does not have a direct mechanism of action as a drug but acts physiologically by maintaining osmotic equilibrium and electrical neutrality in tissues[8].

Other names

sodium ionNa⁺elemental sodium