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Isotonic Saline 0.9% (Placebo)

The Hospital for Sick Children · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Isotonic saline 0.9% is a physiologically balanced salt solution that serves as an inert vehicle for drug delivery or fluid replacement with no active pharmacological mechanism.

Isotonic saline 0.9% is a physiologically balanced salt solution that serves as an inert vehicle for drug delivery or fluid replacement with no active pharmacological mechanism. Used for Placebo control in clinical trials.

At a glance

Generic nameIsotonic Saline 0.9% (Placebo)
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children
ModalitySmall molecule
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Isotonic saline contains sodium chloride at a concentration (0.9%) that matches the osmolarity of human blood plasma, making it isotonic and suitable for intravenous, intranasal, or topical administration. As a placebo, it has no therapeutic mechanism of action and is used as a control comparator in clinical trials to assess the efficacy of active investigational drugs. Its primary function is to maintain fluid balance and electrolyte homeostasis when used clinically, but in placebo-controlled studies it serves solely as a blinded control.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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