General Description
Synonyms: E325; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid monosodium salt; Lacolin; lactic acid monosodium salt; lactic acid sodium salt; natrii lactatis solutio; Patlac; Purasal; Ritalac NAL; sodium a-hydroxypropionate.
Description: Sodium lactate occurs as a clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid. It is odorless, or has a slight odor with a characteristic saline taste. It is hygroscopic.
Chemical Name: Sodium lactate
Functions
Antimicrobial preservative; buffering agent; emulsifying agent; flavoring agent; humectant.
Uses
Sodium lactate is widely used in cosmetics, food products and pharmaceutical applications including parenteral and topical formulations.
Therapeutically, sodium lactate is used in infusions as a component of Ringer-lactate solution; as an alternative for sodium hydrogencarbonate in light acidosis; as a rehydrating agent; and as a carrier for electrolyte concentrates or medicines in perfusion/ infusion solutions
Incompatibilities
See Lactic Acid.
Safety
Sodium lactate occurs naturally in the body and is involved in physiological processes. It is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material when used as an excipient. Low concentrations are well tolerated by skin and eye mucosa, although higher concentrations should be avoided.
Handling Precautions
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Sodium lactate may cause eye irritation. When heated to decomposition, sodium lactate emits toxic fumes of Na2O
Related Substances
Lactic Acid.