Normal Saline

Uses of Normal Saline

• Treatment of short-term fluid replacement after trauma
• Treatment of dehydration

How does Normal Saline work?

Normal Saline 0.9% Infusion is a purified salt solution that replenishes salt and electrolyte levels in the body.

Benefits:

• Facilitates appropriate fluid replacement, crucial for restoring normal bodily functions and promoting healing after trauma or illness
• Should only be administered by a healthcare professional and not self-administered

Side Effects of Normal Saline

Injection site reaction, Fluid overload, Febrile response, Extravasation

Indication

Normal Saline 0.9% Infusion is approved for use in both adult and pediatric patients as a source of electrolytes and hydration. It serves various purposes, including extracellular fluid replacement, treatment of metabolic alkalosis related to fluid loss, and addressing moderate sodium depletion. Additionally, it can be used as a priming solution in hemodialysis procedures and for initiating and concluding blood transfusions without causing red blood cell hemolysis. Sodium chloride infusions are also employed as pharmaceutical aids and diluents for compatible medication additives.

Pharmacology

Sodium chloride, the primary extracellular cation, plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance, regulating osmotic pressure, and distributing water in the body. It is utilized for hydration, treating metabolic acidosis, priming in hemodialysis, and managing hyperosmolar diabetes. Sodium chloride infusion can also serve as a diluent for compatible drug additives.

Dosage & Administration of Normal Saline

• This solution is for intravenous use only.
• Dosage should be directed by a physician, considering factors such as age, weight, patient's clinical condition, and laboratory determinations.
• Frequent laboratory tests and clinical assessments are vital to monitor changes in blood glucose, electrolyte concentrations, and fluid balance during prolonged parenteral therapy.
• One liter of 0.9% sodium chloride infusion daily meets the sodium and chloride daily requirements for an average adult.
• Pediatric dosing depends on weight, clinical condition, and laboratory results; refer to appropriate pediatric reference texts.
• Fluid administration should be based on calculated maintenance or replacement fluid requirements.
• Intravascular administration as a priming fluid in hemodialysis is also an approved use.

Interaction

Contraindications

This solution is not recommended when salt or chloride administration may harm the patient's health.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Type C. The effects of Sodium Chloride Injection on pregnancy have not been studied extensively. It should be administered to pregnant women only when absolutely necessary.
• Breastfeeding: The excretion of this medication in human milk is unknown. Caution is advised for breastfeeding women.

Precaution & Warnings:

• Extended parenteral treatment and the patient's clinical condition should prompt regular clinical examinations and laboratory tests to monitor fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance.
• Customizing electrolyte composition may be required in cases of significant deviations from typical concentrations.
• Patients with hypervolemia, renal insufficiency, urinary tract blockage, or severe cardiac decompensation should receive this solution with caution.
• Extraordinary electrolyte losses may necessitate replacement.
• Individuals receiving corticosteroids or corticotropin and other salt-retaining patients should be cautious when given sodium-containing fluids.
• Avoid exceeding the recommended daily dose of isotonic (0.9%) sodium chloride to prevent hypernatremia and bicarbonate ion loss.
• Compatibility with other additives should be checked, and the final infusate inspected for cloudiness or precipitation before administration.
• Do not use a plastic container for serial connections.
• If using a pump mechanism for administration, stop it before the container empties to prevent air embolism.
• Administer intravenously with sterile equipment, and replace intravenous administration equipment at least once every 24 hours.

Storage Conditions

Store in a dry area away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.