Normal Saline
 
Presentation
• 10ml polyamp
• 500ml and 1000ml infusion soft pack
Pharmacology
• An isotonic crystalloid solution
Composition:
  - Electrolytes, sodium and chloride in a similar concentration to that of extracellular fluid
  - Water
Actions
• Transiently 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
Primary Emergency Indications
• As a replacement fluid in volume-depleted Pts Adult Paed
• To expand intravascular volume in the non-cardiac, non-hypovolaemic, hypotensive Pt
  - e.g. Anaphylaxis Adult Paed, Burns Adult Paed, Sepsis Adult.
• As a fluid challenge in unresponsive non-hypovolaemic hypotensive Pts, other than LVF
  - e.g. PEA Adult Paed, Asthma Adult Paed.
• Vehicle for diluting and intravenous administration of emergency drugs
• Fluid to keep vein open for IV administration of emergency drugs
Contraindications
• Nil of significance in the above indications
Precautions
• Nil of significance in the above indications
Route of Administration
• IV
Side Effects
• Nil of significance in the above indications
Special Notes
 
Therapeutic Effect
Intravascular half life: Approximately 30 – 60min.