Saline IV fluid / replacement Pregnancy: Administration of intravenous fluids to pregnant or lactating women requires special consideration of possible unwanted effects in relation to the desired therapeutic objective.

Sodium chloride

Used in: Hyponatraemia

Sodium chloride solution is a crystalloid fluid used intravenously for fluid resuscitation, replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses, and as a vehicle for drug administration, as well as topically for irrigation.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Individualised - dose and rate of administration subject to clinical and laboratory assessment in each case

Route: Intravenous infusion

Frequency: As determined by clinical and laboratory assessment

For intravenous infusion under medical supervision; single use only. The volume of isotonic (0.9%) saline needed to replenish fluid deficits varies with age, body weight, complementary treatment and severity of the clinical condition. Fluid replacement therapy should be administered with caution to very young and elderly patients. Electrolytes should be monitored prior to and during infusion. No specific numeric dose is stated in the SPC posology - clinician to determine per patient.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Administer with caution in impaired sodium excretion (impaired renal function, cardiac failure, cardio-pulmonary disease, peripheral or pulmonary oedema, hypertension, cirrhosis of the liver, pre-eclampsia, severe hepatic insufficiency, hypernatraemia)
Patients receiving drugs which may promote salt retention
Very young and elderly patients with reduced capacity to compensate for fluctuations in fluid and electrolyte balance

Side effects

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance (metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia, sodium retention)
Hypertension, tachycardia, oedema
Gastrointestinal effects
Venous irritation and thrombophlebitis at the infusion site with prolonged infusion

Interactions

Check compatibility of medicinal products with 0.9% sodium chloride before administration (see incompatibilities)

Clinical monograph

How it works

It supplies sodium and chloride ions and water to expand the extracellular fluid compartment and correct or maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Prescribing in practice

Excessive or rapid administration can cause fluid overload, hypernatraemia and hyperchloraemic acidosis, so assess fluid status and use cautiously in cardiac or renal impairment.
Concentration and rate must be selected for the indication, with hypertonic solutions requiring particular care and monitoring.
Prescribe intravenous fluids in line with NICE guidance on assessment of fluid and electrolyte needs.

Monitoring

Monitor fluid balance, serum electrolytes and clinical status, particularly with prolonged or high-volume infusion.

Counselling the patient

This is a salt-water fluid given through a drip to keep you hydrated or replace fluid losses.
The clinical team will check your fluid balance and blood tests during treatment.
Tell staff if you notice swelling or breathlessness.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE guidance on intravenous fluid therapy informs the safe prescribing of sodium chloride solutions for fluid and electrolyte management.

Reference: NICE CG174; SSC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways