Sodium Chloride
General Drug Information and Indications
IV isotonic or hypertonic saline for fluid therapy, electrolyte replacement, hyponatremia, and hypovolemia.
Isotonic (0.9%) or hypertonic sodium chloride solution. Mechanism: isotonic (0.9%) NaCl replaces extracellular fluid deficits — distributes equally between intravascular and interstitial compartments. Hypertonic (7.2–7.5%): rapid osmotic draw of intracellular water into vasculature → plasma volume expansion (3–4× volume administered). Slightly hyperchloremic — monitor for dilutional acidosis with large volumes.
Key information
Isotonic (0.9%) or hypertonic saline. Hypertonic (7.2–7.5%): for acute hypotension/volume replacement in horses — administer 1–2 L IV over 15–20 min with follow-up crystalloids. Check concentration before use. Single-use bag/bottle.
How to Give this Medication
0.9% NaCl (IV): administer via IV catheter at appropriate rate. Hypertonic saline (7.2–7.5%): administer via large-bore IV catheter or jugular catheter slowly over 3–5 min (horses); follow immediately with isotonic crystalloids. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.
Side Effects
Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (large volumes of 0.9% NaCl). Volume overload, pulmonary edema. Hypertonic saline: local vessel irritation, hemolysis with perivascular administration. Rapid infusion of hypertonic saline: cerebral edema risk (if given after fluid equilibration). Hypernatremia.
Precautions
For animals
0.9% NaCl: large volumes → hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis — monitor pH and chloride. Hypertonic saline: use in large-bore catheter/jugular vein; follow immediately with isotonic crystalloids.
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Saline — generally safe. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Hypertonic saline: IV administration by veterinary staff only.
Overdose
IV fluid errors are managed by veterinary staff. Hypertonic saline overdose causes hypernatremia, seizures, and cardiovascular compromise. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Sodium Chloride dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 250ML (VEDCO) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% BAG 1000ML (ICUMED) | — | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 1000ML (VETONE) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BAG 1000ML (BAXTER) | 0.9% BOTTLE (VEDCO) | — | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BAG 500ML (VETIVEX) | 0.9% BOTTLE 500ML (VETONE) | — | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 1000ML (VEDCO) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 500ML (VETONE) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BAG 1000ML (ICUMED) | — | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 250ML (VETONE) | — | Injectable | — | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 500ML (COVETRUS) | — | Injectable | 500ML | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 250ML (COVETRUS) | — | Injectable | 250ML | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BOTTLE 1000ML (NOVA TECH) | — | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BAG 250ML (DECHRA) | — | — | — | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BAG 250ML (ICUMED) | 0.9%BACT | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BAG 50ML (BAXTER) | — | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
| SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% BACTERIOSTATIC 30ML | — | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)