Last reviewed · How we verify
Hypertonic Saline 3%
Hypertonic saline 3% draws fluid from intracellular and interstitial spaces into the intravascular compartment through osmotic gradient, reducing intracranial pressure and cellular edema.
Hypertonic saline 3% draws fluid from intracellular and interstitial spaces into the vascular compartment through osmotic gradient, increasing plasma volume and reducing intracranial pressure. Used for Elevated intracranial pressure / traumatic brain injury, Acute hyponatremia, Cerebral edema.
At a glance
| Generic name | Hypertonic Saline 3% |
|---|---|
| Also known as | HS3%, hypertonic saline, 3% saline |
| Sponsor | Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad - Escuela Medico Naval |
| Drug class | Osmotic agent / Hypertonic solution |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Critical Care / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The 3% sodium chloride solution creates an osmotic gradient that pulls water across cell membranes and from the interstitium into the bloodstream, thereby reducing brain edema and intracranial pressure. This osmotic diuretic effect is used acutely to manage elevated intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. The mechanism is purely physical/osmotic rather than receptor-mediated.
Approved indications
- Cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure
- Traumatic brain injury
- Acute stroke with cerebral edema
- Intracranial hypertension
Common side effects
- Hypernatremia
- Hyperchloremia
- Phlebitis at infusion site
- Rebound intracranial pressure elevation
- Dehydration
Key clinical trials
- Water Deprivation Protocol (NA)
- Forebrain Electroneutral Transporters in Salt-sensitive Hypertension: an MRI Study (PHASE4)
- Phenol and Botulinum Toxin vs Botulinum Toxin Alone for Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Spasticity (PHASE4)
- Efficacy Of Combined Nebulized Hypertonic Saline and Chest Percussion Therapy in Acute Viral Bronchiolitis (PHASE4)
- Vasopressin in the Elderly: Physiological Changes in Neuroendocrine Function and Urinary Secretion in Healthy Aging (NA)
- Nebulized Furosemide, Heparin, Hypertonic Saline in Mechanically Ventilated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Adult Patients (NA)
- Central Sodium Sensing: Implications for Blood Pressure Regulation (NA)
- Nebulized Lidocaine vs 3% Sodium Chloride in Pediatric Adenoid/Tonsil Surgery (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |