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Normal Saline

Presentation
  • 10 mL polyamp
  • 500 mL and 1000 mL infusion soft pack
Pharmacology

An isotonic crystalloid solution

Composition:

  • Electrolytes (sodium and chloride in a similar concentration to that of extracellular fluid)

Actions:

  • Increases the volume of the intravascular compartment
Metabolism

Electrolytes:

  • Excreted by the kidneys

Water:

  • Excreted by the kidneys
  • Distributed throughout total body water, mainly in the extracellular fluid
    compartment
  1. As a replacement fluid in volume-depleted patients
  2. Cardiac arrest secondary to hypovolaemia or where the patient may be fluid responsive
  3. To expand intravascular volume in the non-cardiac, non-hypovolaemic hypotensive patient e.g. anaphylaxis, burns, sepsis
  4. As a fluid challenge in unresponsive, non-hypovolaemic, hypotensive patients (other than LVF). e.g. asthma
  5. Fluid for diluting and administering IV drugs
  6. Fluid TKVO for IV administration of emergency drugs
  1. Nil of significance in the above indication
Route of administration
  • IV
  • IO
  • Nil of significance in the above indication
Special Notes

IV half life:

Approximately 30 – 60 minutes

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