- Pharmacology
- Not 'normal' or isotonic - higher sodium (154mmol vs. 140mmol) and chloride (154mmol vs. 105mmol) concentrations than in serum
- Mostly migrates extravascularly, resulting in oedema
- Draws fluid out of cells due to hypertonicity
Clinical Use
- Indications
- Volume resuscitation for shock
- Fluid replacement in diabetic ketoacidosis
- Dehydration
- Metabolic alkalosis secondary to fluid loss
- Severe hypercalcaemia
- Vehicle for intravenous medication administration
Contraindications
- Fluid overload - congestive cardiac failure, severe renal impairment, excessive IV fluids
- Adverse Effects
- Fluid overload - electrolyte abnormalities, peripheral oedema, pulmonary oedema
- Hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis< (NAGMA)
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