Nebulised hypertonic saline in cystic fibrosis

Nebulisers are used to convert liquid medicines into fine droplets which can be breathed directly into the lungs. Nebulised hypertonic saline is often used for children with cystic fibrosis.

Hypertonic saline is a salty solution which can help to clear mucus from your chest. It works by making mucus thinner and can cause a cough. It will make it easier to clear mucus when doing chest physiotherapy. The brand of hypertonic saline that we give out is called Mucoclear. You will be prescribed either 3% or 6% strength.

When should it be taken?

You should take Mucoclear immediately before you do your physiotherapy as this is when it will have its best effect.

How should it be stored?

Mucoclear can be stored at room temperature.

Instructions for taking hypertonic saline

You will be given a nebuliser unit and shown how to use this and how to clean it.

It is important that you wash your hands before setting up the nebuliser.

The nebuliser must be cleaned after each use and you will be shown how to do this.

The nebuliser provided must be serviced every year so please make sure you contact the team if you notice your nebuliser is due for service.

Side effects

We recommend that everyone who takes Mucoclear uses a Salbutamol inhaler beforehand. Hypertonic saline can sometimes cause irritation to the airways known as bronchoconstriction and may lead to chest tightness and wheeze.

When starting hypertonic saline the dose will be given at the hospital so that we can check there are no problems. Please read the information leaflet provided with the Mucoclear and if there are any adverse affects stop taking the medication and contact the hospital.

Your treatment plan for hypertonic saline

The type of nebuliser you have been given is:

Specific instructions for your nebuliser are: