NormalSaline

Normal saline, also known as 0.9% sodium chloride solution, is a sterile intravenous fluid widely used in medical care. It contains 0.9 grams of sodium chloride per 100 milliliters of water, delivering about 154 milliequivalents of sodium and chloride per liter and an osmolarity close to that of human blood plasma (roughly 308 mOsm/L). This isotonic property means it typically does not cause rapid shifts of water into or out of cells when infused.

Primary uses include restoring and maintaining intravascular volume in dehydration, blood loss, or shock, as well as serving as a diluent or carrier for medications given intravenously. It is also employed for wound and burn irrigation and, in some settings, for nasal or other local irrigations. In hospital settings, it is a common component of maintenance fluid regimens when balanced electrolytes are not specifically required.

Adverse effects are mainly related to fluid and electrolyte balance. Large or prolonged infusions can lead to fluid overload, particularly in patients with heart failure or kidney disease. Because it is chloride-rich, excessive use can contribute to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and sodium overload in susceptible individuals.

Precautions and alternatives: clinicians may choose balanced crystalloids (such as lactated Ringer’s solution or Plasma-Lyte) to avoid excess chloride and potential acidosis in some patients, especially over large volumes. Dextrose-containing solutions or hypotonic fluids are used in other clinical contexts, with their own indications and risks.

Normal saline remains a foundational option in acute care and routine IV therapy, valued for its compatibility, availability, and predictable isotonic properties.