Generic
Sodium Chloride 0.9%
36 brands available in the market
At a glance
Sodium Chloride 0.9% is an isotonic saline solution used for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, nasal dryness, wound cleansing, eye irrigation, and medication dilution.
Description
Sodium Chloride 0.9% is an isotonic saline solution that replaces body fluid and electrolyte deficits. As a nasal preparation, it moisturizes the inside of the nose, dissolves and softens thick mucus, and makes breathing easier. Intravenously, it provides hydration, treats metabolic alkalosis, and serves as a diluent for medications.
Indications
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Dry nasal membranes (from cold and allergy medications)
- Wound and body cavity cleansing
- Eye irrigation (surgical procedures)
- Diluent for medications
- Phlegm thinning via nebulizer (bronchiolitis, asthma, COPD)
Therapeutic class
Intravenous Fluid Preparations / Nasal Decongestants
Pharmacological class
Electrolyte Replacement Agent
Pharmacology
Sodium Chloride 0.9% is the major extracellular cation, important in electrolyte and fluid balance, osmotic pressure control, and water distribution. As a nasal preparation, it moisturizes the nose and dissolves thick mucus. Intravenously, it provides hydration, treats metabolic alkalosis, and serves as a priming solution for hemodialysis and diluent for medications.
Mechanism of action
Restores body fluid and electrolyte levels, moisturizes nasal mucosa, and dissolves mucus.
Dosage
Nasal Drop (Nasal Congestion):
- Infants, children & adults: 2 drops in each nostril, 1-4 times daily
Intravenous (Adult):
- Dosage depends on age, weight, clinical condition, and laboratory determinations
Eye Drop:
- 1 drop in affected eye(s) every 3-4 hours
Administration
- Nasal drops/spray: Use as directed; do not share the bottle
- Intravenous: Administered only by a healthcare professional
- Nebulizer: Use as directed by a physician
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- No common side effects seen
- Nasal: Stinging, sneezing, increased nasal discharge (occasional)
- Intravenous: Fever, injection site infection, venous thrombosis, phlebitis, hypervolemia
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in heart disease (CHF), lung problems (pulmonary edema), kidney disease
- Caution in hypokalemia and hypernatremia
- Avoid excessive administration
- Do not use IV solution if cloudy or contains particles
Contraindications
- Conditions where sodium chloride administration would be detrimental
- Not to be used to induce emesis
- Sustained-release tablets: GI disorders with strictures or diverticula
Drug interactions
- May affect serum lithium concentrations
Food interactions
It is not known whether alcohol is safe with Sodium Chloride 0.9%; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children (age and weight-based dosing)
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution required; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution required; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
IV overdose may cause hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, and hypervolemia; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Sodium Chloride 0.9%