SODIUM CHLORIDE

Adults and Children The rate of administration and volume infused will depend upon the requirements of the individual patient and the judgement of the physician Elderly Care should be taken to avoid circulatory overload, particularly in patients with cardiac and renal insufficiency.

For intravenous infusion

Thrombosis of the chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusion If infusion is protracted then another vein should be selected after 12 - 24 hours.

Sodium Chloride 5% Intravenous Infusion is not suitable for protracted use unless there is heavy continued loss of electrolytes; even then it should be used with care. Saline solutions should not be administered rapidly or for prolonged periods particularly in infants and the elderly.

A too rapid injection of hypertonic saline may cause sudden cardiac arrest or circulatory overloading. In potassium deficient patients, administration of saline will increase potassium loss, so that if it is given, potassium supplements should also be given.

The solution is hypertonic. Restrict intake in impaired renal function, cardiac failure, hypertension, peripheral and pulmonary oedema, toxaemia of pregnancy. This guidance is particularly relevant for isotonic and hypertonic forms.

The label states:

Do not use unless the solution is clear and free from particles.

Patients with sodium overload. This may occur with myocardial and renal damage, but it should also be appreciated that in the first five or six days after surgery or severe trauma there may be an inability to excrete unwanted sodium.