sodium + glycerol

The term **sodium + glycerol** refers to a combination of a sodium-based salt and glycerol (glycerin), which is utilized across several distinct therapeutic and clinical applications. The specific sodium salt employed varies depending on the indication. In **otology**, a combination of **sodium bicarbonate and glycerol** is a standard preparation used to soften and facilitate the removal of impacted earwax (cerumen); sodium bicarbonate acts as a cerumenolytic to dissolve the wax, while glycerol serves as a lubricant and humectant. In **gastroenterology**, glycerol is combined with sodium salts in **enema formulations** to treat constipation, leveraging glycerol's osmotic laxative properties and the salt's ability to maintain osmotic balance. In **aesthetic medicine**, the combination of **sodium hyaluronate and glycerol** (e.g., Belotero Revive) is used as an injectable skin booster to improve hydration, elasticity, and skin quality. Additionally, in **ophthalmology**, **sodium chloride and glycerol** solutions are used to manage corneal edema. Finally, in **sports science**, the two are co-administered orally as a **hyperhydrating agent** to expand plasma volume and improve thermoregulation during exercise in heat. Glycerol primarily acts as an osmotic agent and humectant, while the sodium component provides cerumenolytic activity, osmotic balance, or structural support depending on the specific formulation.

Brand names

Belotero ReviveSaypha RichViscoderm SkinkoOptiveGlycerol and Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops BPGlycerol and Sodium Bicarbonate Enema

Other names

glycerol and sodium bicarbonateglycerol and sodium chloridesodium hyaluronate and glycerolglycerin and sodium bicarbonateglycerin and sodium chloride