Major Extra & Intracellular Electrolytes

 

                      Major Extra & Intracellular Electrolytes

 

   Electrolytes – Electrolyte is any substance which dissociates into ions in aqueous solution.

  Iron can be positively charged (cation) or negatively charged (anion).

 The major electrolytes found in the human body. Example sodium chloride, magnesium, calcium,         potassium.

    Functions of major physiological ions:-

Ø       Role of sodium-

·        They play an important role in excitability. Of muscles and neurons. And regulating fluid balance in     body

·        Sodium label are closely regulated. By kidney function.

·        They control the GFR (Glomerular Filtration rate) including BP. Stimulation of renal arteriole

 

Ø      Role of potassium-

·        Main role in maintain. Normal levels. Of fluid inside cell. And outside of cell.

·        Helps in muscles to contract and support normal BP.

 

Ø     Role of calcium-

·        Help in maintain healthy teeth and bones

·        A proper level of calcium in body lifetime prevent osteoporosis.

·        Transmitted nerve impulses, in clotting blood, contracting muscles.

 

Ø      Role of Phosphate-

·        Nucleic acid and high energy molecule like ATP require phosphate for synthesis

·        Maintaining pH balance of the body.

 

Ø      Role of magnesium-

·        They assist sodium potassium pumps. And aid enzyme

·        Help in muscle contraction, conduction of action, potential and production of bones and teeth.

 

Ø     Role of chloride-

·        They regulated electrical excitability and trans-epithelial transport.

 

Ø    Role of bicarbonate-

·        Major role in pH homeostasis.

·        They used in iron transports (across cell membrane).

 

Electrolytes used in the replacement therapy-

                                                 Sodium chloride

Molecular formula. : NaCl

Molecular weight. : 58.44

Physical properties:

Appearance - White crystalline crystal

Odor - odorless

Melting point - 801⁰ C

Boiling point - 1.413⁰C

Density - 2.16 g/cm0C

Chemical properties:

·        Freely soluble in water & glycerin.

·        Non- reactive stable.

·        Saline in taste.

Preparation:

·        Naturally, it is obtained from rock salt and seawater in impure form.

·        The pure form of salt can be obtained by filtration process.

·        The final product is collected in dry form through the evaporation process.

·        It can also be prepared in laboratory and a small amount by acid based reaction.

Uses:

·        Used as electrolyte.

·        Used as taste enhancer, in the preparation of dishes.

·        Used in wet dressing and irrigation of body cavities.

·        They used for contract and relax muscles.

·        Used as maintain blood pressure.

 

                   Potassium chloride (Potassium muriate, Potash muriate )

Mol. Formula- Kcl

Mol. Weight – 74.5513g/mol

Properties:

Taste – saline 

Odor – odorless

Color – white crystal Solubility soluble in water insoluble organic solvent.

Preparation:

·        Prepared by reacting basis of potassium with hydrochloric acid.

·        Ensure acid- base neutralization reaction yield water and potassium chloride as the product.

Uses:

·        Used as electrolytes

·        pH buffers.

·        We used in preparation of fertilizers, explosives potassium.

·        In treatment of hypokalemia (Potassium deficiency disorder)

·        Metal and potassium hydroxide.

·        In treatment of digitalis poisoning.

·        In treatment of Myasthenia gracias (weakness of muscles).

 

                                          Calcium gluconate

Mol. Formula- C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄

Mol. Weight- 430.373g/mol.

Properties-

Odor – Odorless

Taste – Tasteless

Appearance – Granules/ Powder

Solubility – Slowly in H₂O

Insoluble – Organic solvent & alcohol

Nature – In acidic

Preparation:

Gluconic acid + Excess calcium carbonate

                    Boiled  

                         ↓  Filtered    

 

                   Crystalizing from filtrate

Uses:

Used in manage-

·        Hypocalcemia

·        Cardiac arrest (sudden loss of heart function)

·        Cardiotoxicity

·        Hyperkalemia

·        Hyper magnesia  

 

                                               Oral Rehydration salt

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are a mixture of glucose and essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and citrate) that is dissolved in clean water and taken orally to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or other conditions that lead to fluid loss.

 

WHO Low-Osmolarity ORS Composition (per 1 Litre of Water)

Component	Molecular Formula	Molecular Weight (g/mol)	Amount per Litre
Sodium chloride	NaCl	58.44	2.6 g
Glucose (anhydrous)	C₆H₁₂O₆	180.16	13.5 g
Potassium chloride	KCl	74.55	1.5 g
Trisodium citrate dihydrate	Na₃C₆H₅O₇·2H₂O	294.10	2.9 g

  

Physical Properties

• White crystalline powder.
• Odorless.
• Sweet-salty taste.
• Freely soluble in water.
• Forms a clear solution when dissolved.
• Stable in dry form but should be protected from moisture.

Chemical Properties

• Maintains electrolyte balance.
• Glucose enhances sodium and water absorption through the intestinal sodium-glucose co-transport mechanism.
• Citrate helps correct metabolic acidosis.
• Potassium replaces potassium lost during diarrhea.

Preparation

Industrial Preparation

1. Weigh all ingredients accurately according to the WHO formula.
2. Mix uniformly under hygienic conditions.
3. Pack in moisture-proof sachets.
4. Each sachet is designed to be dissolved in 1 litre of clean drinking water.

Home Preparation (Emergency)

If ORS packets are unavailable:

• 1 litre of clean water
• 6 level teaspoons of sugar
• ½ level teaspoon of salt

Mix thoroughly until completely dissolved.

Uses

Medical Uses

• Treatment of dehydration due to diarrhea.
• Cholera management.
• Vomiting-induced dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion and excessive sweating.
• Gastroenteritis.
• Replacement of electrolytes after prolonged illness.
• Prevention of dehydration in children and adults.

Mechanism of Action

• Glucose and sodium are absorbed together through sodium-glucose transporters in the small intestine.
• Water follows sodium by osmosis.
• Potassium replaces intracellular potassium losses.
• Citrate corrects metabolic acidosis.

Advantages

• Simple and inexpensive.
• Saves lives in diarrheal diseases.
• Prevents severe dehydration.
• Safe for infants, children, and adults.
• Easy to prepare and administer.

Storage

• Store ORS sachets in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from moisture.
• After dissolving in water, use within 24 hours.
• Discard any unused solution after 24 hours.

Precautions

• Always dissolve the entire sachet in exactly 1 litre of clean water.
• Do not boil after preparation.
• Do not add extra sugar or salt.
• Continue feeding and breastfeeding during ORS therapy.
• Seek medical attention if dehydration is severe or symptoms persist.