Hyamax Sodium Hyaluronate
Also known as: NaHA, Hyaluronic acid sodium salt, Hyaluronan sodium salt, Hyamax Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Overview
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring polysaccharide vital to connective tissues, synovial fluid, and the extracellular matrix. It is widely utilized in medical and cosmetic fields for its hydrating, lubricating, and tissue-repairing properties. Commercial forms like Hyamax Sodium Hyaluronate are applied topically or via injection. Research consistently supports its efficacy, particularly in ophthalmology for dry eye syndrome, orthopedics for joint conditions, and ENT for nasal issues. Its high safety profile and minimal systemic absorption make it a valuable ingredient in various therapeutic applications, with evidence quality generally high for ophthalmic and orthopedic uses, and moderate for ENT and dermatological applications.
Benefits
Sodium hyaluronate offers several evidence-based benefits across various applications. In ophthalmology, a 2017 meta-analysis of 18 RCTs demonstrated that sodium hyaluronate-based artificial tears significantly improved tear production (Schirmer’s I test) in dry eye syndrome patients compared to non-HA tears, indicating strong evidence for its use in this area. For orthopedic conditions, a 2022 meta-analysis found that sodium hyaluronate injections significantly improved pain and function in patients with rotator cuff disease, showing a good safety profile. However, a 2025 meta-analysis on knee osteoarthritis suggested limited additive benefit when combined with PRP compared to PRP alone. In ENT, a 2024 systematic review indicated that topical HA significantly reduced nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea symptoms in patients with and without sinusitis, with minimal adverse events. Overall, sodium hyaluronate is well-tolerated, with mild and infrequent adverse events reported.
How it works
Sodium hyaluronate primarily functions by retaining large amounts of water due to its high hygroscopicity, thereby providing lubrication and hydration to tissues. It interacts with cell surface receptors, such as CD44, to modulate inflammatory responses, promote tissue regeneration, and enhance the stability of the extracellular matrix. In joints, it helps restore the viscosity of synovial fluid, which reduces friction and mechanical stress. When applied topically, it forms a protective, moisture-retaining film that also facilitates epithelial healing. Its bioavailability is localized, meaning topical ocular or nasal applications act directly at the site, while intra-articular injections deliver it directly into the joint space for targeted action.
Side effects
Sodium hyaluronate has a high safety profile with minimal systemic absorption, making adverse effects generally mild and localized. Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include mild local irritation, a burning sensation (especially with nasal or ocular use), and transient discomfort. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, may include headache or throat irritation when used nasally. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of cases, include allergic reactions, though these are infrequent. No serious adverse events have been consistently reported across studies. There are no significant drug interactions known. Contraindications are limited to individuals with known hypersensitivity to HA or any of the formulation's excipients. While generally considered safe for adults, data on its use in pregnant or lactating women are limited, so caution is advised in these populations.
Dosage
Dosage guidelines for sodium hyaluronate vary significantly depending on the application. For ophthalmic use, typical concentrations in artificial tears range from 0.1% to 0.4% sodium hyaluronate, with dosing frequency varying from 1 to 6 times daily based on the severity of dry eye symptoms. In orthopedic applications, intra-articular injections commonly involve 20-40 mg per injection, administered weekly for a course of 3 to 5 weeks. For nasal conditions, topical sprays typically contain concentrations around 0.1-0.2% and are applied 2-3 times daily. Absorption is primarily local with minimal systemic uptake, and no specific cofactors are required for efficacy. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses used in clinical trials have demonstrated excellent safety margins.
FAQs
Is Hyamax Sodium Hyaluronate safe for daily use?
Yes, it is generally safe for daily topical or injectable use when administered within recommended dosages and guidelines.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Ocular benefits may appear within days to weeks, while orthopedic improvements often require several weeks. Nasal symptom relief can occur within days.
Are there any systemic effects?
Due to minimal systemic absorption, the risk of systemic effects is very low, making it primarily act locally.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes, it is often combined with other therapies, such as corticosteroids or PRP, though additive benefits vary by specific indication.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-08534-5 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 RCTs found that sodium hyaluronate-based artificial tears significantly improved tear production (Schirmer’s I test) in dry eye syndrome patients. While tear breakup time improvement was less consistent, the study supports the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate in managing dry eye symptoms.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28827614/ – This publication, likely a duplicate or related entry to the Nature article, reinforces the findings regarding sodium hyaluronate's efficacy in dry eye syndrome, specifically highlighting its positive impact on tear secretion as measured by Schirmer’s I test.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1350063/full – This systematic review concluded that topical hyaluronic acid significantly reduced nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea symptoms in patients with and without sinusitis. The study also noted that adverse events were minimal, supporting the safety and efficacy of HA for nasal conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9425898/ – This meta-analysis demonstrated that sodium hyaluronate injections improved pain and function in patients with rotator cuff disease. The study reported statistically significant effect sizes and an acceptable safety profile, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for this orthopedic condition.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0314878 – This meta-analysis compared platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plus hyaluronic acid (HA) versus PRP alone for knee osteoarthritis. It found no significant difference in WOMAC scores at 3 months, suggesting that the additive benefit of HA in this specific combination and condition might be limited.
