Sodium chloride (normal saline, 3% saline)
0.9% saline for resuscitation, replacement and with blood. 3% saline 150 mL over 20 minutes for severe symptomatic hyponatraemia.
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Composition (0.9%)
Sodium 154 mmol/L, chloride 154 mmol/L.
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Fluid bolus (adult) | 500 mL over under 15 minutes, reassess |
| Fluid bolus (child) | 10 mL/kg |
| Replacement of NG or vomiting losses | mL for mL, with potassium |
| Hypercalcaemia | 3–4 litres over 24 hours if the heart allows |
| 3% saline, severe symptomatic hyponatraemia | 150 mL IV over 20 minutes, repeat up to twice |
Cautions
- Large volumes cause high chloride and metabolic acidosis.
- Preferred over Ringer's lactate in head injury and with blood transfusion.
Frequently asked questions
When is normal saline better than Ringer's lactate?
With blood products, in head injury and in hyponatraemia; Ringer's lactate is usually better for large-volume resuscitation.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.